bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extremely sensitive and selective antibodies against the explosive 2,4,6‐trinitrotoluene by rational design of a structurally optimized hapten
Authors: Ramin Steffen , Weller Michael G.
Published: January 2012

Antibodies are a promising tool for the fast and selective trace detection of explosives. Unfortunately, the production of high‐quality antibodies is not trivial and often expensive. Therefore, excellent antibodies are a rare and limiting resource in fields such as biosensing, environmental analysis, diagnostics, cancer therapy, and proteomics. Here, we report the synthesis, bioconjugation, and application of the structurally optimized hapten 6‐(2,4,6‐trinitro)‐phenylhexanoic acid to improve the selectivity and sensitivity of antibodies for the detection of one of the most important explosives, trinitrotoluene. With a conjugate of bovine serum albumin and a highly purified N‐hydroxy‐succinimide (NHS)–activated hapten, two rabbits were immunized to obtain polyclonal antibodies. The immunization process was monitored by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay to gain information about the progress of antibody titer and affinity. Finally, the polyclonal antibodies reached an affinity constant of (5.1 ± 0.6) × 109 l/mol (rabbit R1) and (2.3 ± 0.2) × 109 l/mol (rabbit R2). The respective assays show a minimum test midpoint (IC50 value) of 0.1 ± 0.01 µg/l (R1) and 0.2 ± 0.02 µg/l (R2) and a working range of 0.005 to 150 µg/l (R1) and 0.007 to 200 µg/l (R2), which corresponds to more than four orders of magnitude for both. This is quite remarkable for a competitive immunoassay, which is often believed to have a narrow dynamic range. The limit of detection was calculated to 0.6 ng/l (R1) and 1.5 ng/l (R2), which is up to 100 times improvement in relation to the assay of Zeck et al. (1999) on the basis of a monoclonal antibody. The excellent selectivity of the polyclonal antibodies was comprehensively examined by determining the cross‐reactivity to common explosives and other nitroaromatics including nitro musk components. The widely held belief that polyclonal antibodies generally display higher cross‐reactivities than monoclonals could be disproved. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of supplementing compost with grapeseed meal on Agaricus bisporus production
Authors: Pardo‐Giménez Arturo , Zied Diego C , Álvarez‐Ortí Manuel , Rubio Manuela , Pardo Jose E
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND: This work assesses the agronomic performance of grapeseed meal, before and after oil extraction, in nutritional compost supplement when growing the mushroom species Agaricus bisporus (Lange) Imbach. The effect of formaldehyde treatment before using this compost is also considered. Materials were applied at different doses at spawning. Along with non‐supplemented compost, three commercial nutritional supplements were used as controls.

RESULTS: In general terms, grapeseed meal performance was similar to that of commercial delayed‐release nutrients, but improved the non‐supplemented compost response. We highlight that grapeseed enhances performance as larger yields of harvested mushrooms were obtained with greater dry weight content; however, their protein content was lower. The best performance was displayed by fresh formaldehyde‐treated grapeseed (6000 ppm) when applied to the 10 g kg−1 compost dose.

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that grapeseed meal offers a great potential to be applied on a commercial scale. The addition of grapeseed resulted in an enhanced performance as shown by the higher number of harvested mushrooms. The use of grapeseed meal (extracted or non‐extracted), a low‐cost ingredient with high levels of carbohydrates, may suppose an economic profit on the basis of the positive effect of adding carbon in the mushroom cultivation. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Eri silkworm: a source of edible oil with a high content of α‐linolenic acid and of significant nutritional value
Authors: Longvah Thingnganing , Manghtya Korra , Qadri Syed S Y H
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND: The study was undertaken to provide value addition to spent eri silkworm as an alternative source of edible oil for the food and feed industry by carrying out a short‐term nutritional and toxicological evaluation of eri silkworm pupae oil using Wistar NIN rats.

RESULTS: Growth performance of rats fed either sunflower oil (Control) or eri silkworm pupae oil (Experimental) was comparable. Histopathological examination of the various tissues showed no signs of toxicity even after feeding the eri silkworm oil for 18 weeks. Serum cholesterol and triglyceride was significantly reduced (P < 0.05) while high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol was significantly increased (P < 0.05) which is attributed to the high α‐linolenic acid content of eri silkworm oil.

CONCLUSION: The study showed that eri silkworm pupae oil is safe and nutritionally equivalent to commonly used vegetable oils. Eri silkworm pupae can be harvested to provide a cost effective alternative edible oil that can be used to nutritional advantage in the food and feed industry. Therefore eri silkworm and its host plants offer an excellent example of multiple product crops and of sustainable agricultural practice with excellent opportunity for economic and nutritional benefits. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
The Naked‐Eye Detection of NH3–HCl by Polyaniline‐Infiltrated TiO2 Inverse Opal Photonic Crystals
Authors: Liu Cihui , Gao Guizhi , Zhang Yuqi , Wang Libin , Wang Jingxia , Song Yanlin
Published: January 2012

A reversible color change of a polyaniline‐infiltrated TiO2 inverse opal photonic crystal (PC) film can be obtained when the PC is switched from an acidic to alkali vapor environment. In a saturated NH3 environment, the stopband of the as‐prepared PCs changes from 556 to 688 nm; such large shift of 132 nm could be observed, corresponding to a clear color change from green to red. After placing in HCl vapor, the stopband undergoes a blue‐shift and the color turns back to green. The result is ascribed to PANI being doped or dedoped by acid or base and the effective refractive index of the PC film varying accordingly. The naked‐eye detection of NH3 and HCl vapors can be realized by the reversible color change of the PC film, which is of importance for chemical and biological sensors.
Metallo‐Supramolecular Materials Based on Amine‐Grafting Onto Polypentafluorostyrene
Authors: Ott Christina , Ulbricht Christoph , Hoogenboom Richard , Schubert Ulrich S.
Published: January 2012

The post‐modification of polypentafluorostyrene via the selective substitution of the para‐ fluorine by amine‐functionalized molecules represents a versatile method for the preparation of functional materials. This communication presents the extension of this synthetic approach towards metallosupramolecular materials. First, the incorporation of terpyridines as metallo‐supramolecular binding motifs is demonstrated, which enables the formation of a supramolecular crosslinked gel upon the addition of Fe(II) ions. Second, the linkage of phosphorescent iridium(III) complexes is reported yielding a copolymer that combines the excellent photophysical properties of the iridium(III) complex and the good solubility and processability of the polymer.
Polymorphisms in the potential functional regions of the TGF‐β 1 and TGF‐β receptor genes and disease susceptibility in HBV‐related hepatocellular carcinoma patients
Authors: Xin Zhenhui , Zhang Wei , Xu Aiqiang , Zhang Li , Yan Tao , Li Zhuo , Wu Xiaopan , Zhu Xilin , Ma Juan , Li Ke , Li Hui , Liu Ying
Published: January 2012

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a disease of multiple etiologies caused by the accumulation of genetic and epigenetic defects. Current evidence indicates that the transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐β) signaling pathway has a significant impact on different cellular process. Members of the TGF‐β superfamily (TGF‐β1, the type I TGF‐β receptor [TβRI], type II TGF‐β receptor [TβRII], and type III TGF‐β receptor]) play an important role in tumorigenesis. Numerous studies show that genetic polymorphisms in TGF‐β superfamily genes are associated with HCC in East Asian populations. We studied 16 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in four genes (TGF‐β1, TβRI, TβRII, and TβRIII) to examine their associations with hepatocarcinogenesis. A total of 1228 Chinese Han participants were enrolled in the study (881 control participants who were negative for all hepatitis B virus [HBV] serum markers and 347 case participants with HBV‐related HCC). Genotyping was conducted using the TaqMan method. The results showed that the frequency of the rs1805110 T allele was significantly higher in the case group than in the control group (P = 0.034). After stratification, the results for rs1805110 remained significant in male participants (P = 0.005), but there was no statistical difference in females. In males, the frequency of the C‐C‐G‐C‐A haplotype resulting from SNPs rs1805110, rs2810904, rs1805112, rs284878, and rs1804506 in TβRIII was significantly lower in the case group than in the control group (P = 0.001), whereas the reverse was true for the T‐C‐G‐C‐A haplotype (P = 0.036). We conclude that the rs1805110T allele is associated with susceptibility to HBV‐related HCC in males. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The enhancing effects of obesity on mammary tumor growth and Akt/mTOR pathway activation persist after weight loss and are reversed by RAD001
Authors: De Angel Rebecca E. , Conti Claudio J. , Wheatley Karrie E. , Brenner Andrew J. , Otto Glen , deGraffenried Linda A. , Hursting Stephen D.
Published: January 2012

The prevalence of obesity, an established risk and progression factor for postmenopausal breast cancer, remains high in US women. Activation of Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling plays a key role in the obesity–breast cancer link. However, the impact of weight normalization in obese postmenopausal women on breast tumorigenesis and/or Akt/mTOR activation is poorly characterized. To model this, ovariectomized female C57BL/6 mice were fed a control diet (n = 20), a calorie restriction (CR) regimen (n = 20), or a diet‐induced obesity (DIO) diet (n = 30). At week 17, DIO mice were switched to control diet, resulting in formerly obese (FOb) mice with weights identical to the controls by week 20. MMTV‐Wnt‐1 mammary tumor cells were injected at 20 wk into each mouse. Two weeks post‐injection, vehicle or the mTOR inhibitor RAD001 at 10 or 15 mg/kg body weight (n = 10/diet group) was administered by gavage twice/week until termination. Relative to controls, CR mice had decreased (and DIO mice had increased) serum insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) and phosphorylation of Akt/mTOR pathway components. RAD001 decreased tumor growth in the CR, control, and FOb mice. Wnt‐1 tumor cells treated in vitro with serum from mice from each group established that diet‐dependent circulating factors contribute to tumor growth and invasiveness. These findings suggest weight normalization in obese mice does not immediately reverse tumor progression or Akt/mTOR activation. Treatment with RAD001 blocked mammary tumor development and mTOR activation observed in the FOb mice, suggesting combination of lifestyle and pharmacologic strategies may be effective for breaking the obesity–breast cancer link. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Brain iron deposition fingerprints in Parkinson's disease and progressive supranuclear palsy
Authors: Boelmans Kai , Holst Brigitte , Hackius Marc , Finsterbusch Jürgen , Gerloff Christian , Fiehler Jens , Münchau Alexander
Published: January 2012

It can be difficult to clinically distinguish between classical Parkinson's disease (PD) and progressive supranuclear palsy. Previously, there have been no biomarkers that reliably allow this distinction to be made. We report that an abnormal brain iron accumulation is a marker for ongoing neurodegeneration in both conditions, but the conditions differ with respect to the anatomical distribution of these accumulations. We analyzed quantitative T2′ maps as markers of regional brain iron content from PD and progressive supranuclear palsy patients and compared them to age‐matched control subjects. T2‐weighted and T2*‐weighted images were acquired in 30 PD patients, 12 progressive supranuclear palsy patients, and 24 control subjects at 1.5 Tesla. Mean T2′ values were determined in regions‐of‐interest in the basal ganglia, thalamus, and white matter within each hemisphere. The main findings were shortened T2′ values in the caudate nucleus, globus pallidus, and putamen in progressive supranuclear palsy compared to PD patients and controls. A stepwise linear discriminant analysis allowed progressive supranuclear palsy patients to be distinguished from PD patients and the healthy controls. All progressive supranuclear palsy patients were correctly classified. No progressive supranuclear palsy patient was classified as a healthy control, no healthy controls were incorrectly classified as having progressive supranuclear palsy, and only 6.7% of the PD patients were incorrectly classified as progressive supranuclear palsy. Regional decreases of T2′ relaxation times in parts of the basal ganglia reflecting increased brain iron load in these areas are characteristic for progressive supranuclear palsy but not PD patients. © 2012 Movement Disorder Society
Objective verification of World Area Forecast Centre clear air turbulence forecasts
Authors: Gill Philip G.
Published: January 2012

The two World Area Forecast Centres (WAFC) are responsible for providing aviation hazard forecasts above 800 hPa (6000 ft) including clear air turbulence (CAT) to aviation customers around the world. A new automated gridded forecast for CAT is now being produced by the two WAFCs along with the traditional forecaster‐produced Significant Weather (SIGWX) charts. Until now little objective verification has been available for the WAFC products. However, the increasing availability of high‐resolution in situ aircraft observations now makes routine objective verification a possibility. The Global Aircraft Data Set (GADS) formed from the fleet of British Airways Boeing 747–400 aircraft is a particularly useful resource. This paper proposes an objective verification scheme using Relative Operating Characteristic analysis to investigate the skill in both the operational SIGWX and new gridded CAT forecasts from both WAFC London and WAFC Washington. Global verification results using GADS data are presented for 4 months during winter November 2008 to February 2009.
Investigating cold‐frontal gradients in surface parameters using operationally‐available minute‐resolution data
Authors: Clark M. R.
Published: January 2012

Large gradients in surface parameters are often observed across cold fronts exhibiting line convection. Such gradients may constitute a hazard to aviation, owing to the associated strong horizontal wind shear and abrupt pressure surges. Significant along‐front variability in the magnitude of cross‐frontal gradients is usually observed, making quantitative forecasting of expected parameter changes and anticipation of future locations of associated hazards challenging. In this paper, operationally available minute resolution data are analysed for three recent cases of strong cold fronts, in order to explore the magnitude and along‐frontal distribution of parameter changes. Cross‐frontal temperature fall, sea level pressure rise and wind veer were calculated and mapped. In two of the cases, coherent regions of larger parameter changes were resolved, which could be traced for several hours. This raises the possibility of providing more quantitative short term forecasts of expected parameter changes at downstream locations by extrapolation. Swathes of larger parameter changes usually corresponded to tracks of intense line convection segments. However, significant variability in the relationship between radar reflectivity and the magnitude of parameter changes was found, both within individual cases and between cases. In the third case, the typically small scale of line convection segments precluded the resolution of coherent areas of larger parameter changes, though the general areas in which parameter changes were locally large could still be delineated. Generally, cross‐frontal temperature falls exceeding 1.25 °C, pressure surges exceeding 0.4 hPa, and wind veers exceeding 30° could be confidently (>90%) identified by the analysis.
MUAP values of two facial muscles in normal subjects and comparison of two methods for data analysis
Authors: Papagianni Aikaterini E. , Kokotis Panagiotis , Zambelis Thomas , Karandreas Nikos
Published: January 2012

Introduction: This study aimed to obtain normal MUAP values in 2 facial muscles and to compare the results of different analysis methods. Methods: The frontalis muscle of 36 and the mentalis muscle of 28 normal subjects were examined, and mean and outlier values of all MUAP parameters were calculated with the automatic method. Next, manual editing of the recorded raw data provided new sets of values for comparison. Results: The frontalis muscle MUAPs have significantly shorter duration, smaller amplitude and a lower number of turns and phases compared with those of mentalis. Higher MUAP duration values in the frontalis were the only significant difference after the comparison of the different analysis methods. Conclusions: The set of normal values for frontalis and mentalis in this study could be useful in routine practice. Careful manual editing of the frontalis MUAPs is recommended for more accurate determination of their duration. Muscle Nerve 46: 346–350, 2012
Prediction of the shaft resistance of nondisplacement piles in sand
Authors: Lashkari Ali
Published: January 2012

Using pile segment analysis, the mobilized shaft resistance of axially loaded nondisplacement piles in sand is investigated here. It is accepted that the shaft capacity of piles constructed in granular soils is highly influenced by the mechanical behavior of soil–structure interfaces forming adjacent the piles skin. Adopting the thin interface layer as a load transfer mechanism, a simple but accurate critical state compatible interface constitutive model is introduced. After evaluation, the interface model in conjunction with the pile segment analysis is applied for the prediction of the shaft resistance mobilized in nondisplacement piles. The proposed approach takes into account the influences of pile diameter and surface roughness together with the effects of the surrounding soil density and stiffness on the mobilized shaft resistance. The performance of the proposed method is verified by comparing its predictions with the experimental data of various model piles covering wide ranges of length, diameter, roughness, and surrounding soil properties. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reciprocal policy diffusion: the regulation of executive compensation in the UK and the US
Authors: Suárez Sandra L.
Published: January 2012

Because of popular and political pressure, governments have been compelled to regulate ‘excessive’ executive compensation and search both a policy and political solution. In this paper, I seek to establish the mechanisms of policy learning, competition, and emulation by examining American and British regulatory policies of executive compensation that show evidence of reciprocal diffusion, i.e. from the US to the UK and vice versa. The evidence suggests that during the past two decades, the extent of reciprocal policy diffusion varied and was primarily driven by policy learning. Using published government reports, press releases, public hearings, newspaper articles, and interviews, I demonstrate that reciprocal learning occurred because one country's policymakers and practitioners explicitly discussed and/or referred to the practices in the other country when deciding to adopt a specific policy solution to the problem of excessive executive pay. I discuss the implications for the literature on diffusion and point out avenues for future research. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Soft nanoconfinement effects on the crystallization behavior of asymmetric poly(ethylene oxide)‐block‐poly(ε‐ caprolactone) diblock copolymers
Authors: Xue Feifei , Chen Xuesi , An Lijia , Funari Sergio S , Jiang Shichun
Published: January 2012

The time‐ and temperature‐related crystallization process for the structure transitions of asymmetric crystalline‐crystalline diblock copolymers from the melt to crystallites was investigated with synchrotron simultaneous small‐angle/wide‐angle X‐ray scattering. Two asymmetric poly(ethylene oxide)‐poly(ε‐caprolactone) diblock copolymers were chosen. It is found in the course of the copolymer crystallization that the shorter blocks are uncrystallizable in both of the asymmetric diblock copolymers and final lamellar structures are formed in both of them. The final lamellar structure was confirmed from atomic force microscopy observations. The small‐angle X‐ray scattering data collected were analyzed with different methods for the early stage of crystallization. Guinier and Debye‐Bueche plots indicate that there are neither isolated domains nor correlated domains formed before the formation of lamellae in the asymmetric diblock copolymers during the crystallization process. The structure evolution was calculated according to the correlation function, and the soft nanoconfined crystallization behavior is discussed. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
The HUPO initiative on Model Organism Proteomes, iMOP
Authors: Jones Alexandra M. E. , Aebersold Ruedi , Ahrens Christian H. , Apweiler Rolf , Baerenfaller Katja , Baker Mark , Bendixen Emøke , Briggs Steve , Brownridge Philip , Brunner Erich , Daube Michael , Deutsch Eric W. , Grossniklaus Ueli , Heazlewood Joshua , Hengartner Michael O. , Hermjakob Henning , Jovanovic Marko , Lawless Craig , Lochnit Günter , Martens Lennart , Ravnsborg Christian , Schrimpf Sabine P. , Shim Yhong‐Hee , Subasic Deni , Tholey Andreas , van Wijk Klaas , von Mering Christian , Weiss Manuel , Zheng Xue
Published: January 2012

The community working on model organisms is growing steadily and the number of model organisms for which proteome data are being generated is continuously increasing. To standardize efforts and to make optimal use of proteomics data acquired from model organisms, a new Human Proteome Organisation (HUPO) initiative on model organism proteomes (iMOP) was approved at the HUPO Ninth Annual World Congress in Sydney, 2010. iMOP will seek to stimulate scientific exchange and disseminate HUPO best practices. The needs of model organism researchers for central databases will be better represented, catalyzing the integration of proteomics and organism‐specific databases. Full details of iMOP activities, members, tools and resources can be found at our website http://www.imop.uzh.ch/ and new members are invited to join us.
Higher reactivity of 3‐pyridinium boronic acid compared with 3‐pyridinium boronate ion toward 4‐isopropyltropolone in acidic aqueous solution: fundamental reaction analyses for an effective organoboron‐based chemosensor
Authors: Iwatsuki Satoshi , Kanamitsu Yuki , Ohara Hidetaka , Watanabe Eisuke , Ishihara Koji
Published: January 2012

The pKas of 3‐pyridylboronic acid and its derivatives were determined spectrophotometrically. Most of them had two pKas assignable to the boron center and pyridine moiety. The pKa assignment performed by 11B nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy revealed that both boron centers in 3‐pyridylboronic acid [3‐PyB(OH)2] and the N‐methylated derivative [3‐(N‐Me)Py+B(OH)2] have strong acidities (pKa = 4.4 for both). It was found that introduction of a substituent to pyridine‐C atom in 3‐pyridylboronic acid drastically increased the acidity of the pyridinium moiety, but decreased the acidity of the boron center, whereas the introduction to pyridine‐N atom had no influence on the acidity of the boron center. Kinetic studies on the complexation reactions of 3‐pyridinium boronic acid [3‐HPy+B(OH)2] with 4‐isopropyltropolone (Hipt) carried out in strongly acidic aqueous solution indicated that the positive charge on the boronic acid influenced little on its reactivity; 3‐HPy+B(OH)2 reacts with Hipt and protonated H2ipt+, and its reactivity was in line with those of a series of boronic acids. Kinetics in weakly acidic aqueous solution revealed that 3‐HPy+B(OH)2 reacts with Hipt faster than its conjugate boronate [3‐HPy+B(OH)3–], which is consistent with our recent results. The reactivity of 3‐(N‐Me)Py+B(OH)2 towards Hipt was also examined kinetically; the reactivities of 3‐(N‐Me)Py+B(OH)2 and 3‐(N‐Me)Py+B(OH)3– are almost the same as those of their original 3‐HPy+B(OH)2 and 3‐HPy+B(OH)3–, respectively. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structural modeling of TAL effector–DNA interactions
Authors: Bradley Philip
Published: January 2012

TAL (transcriptional activator‐like) effectors are DNA‐binding repeat proteins recently shown to recognize their target sites by an unprecedented, 1:1 mapping between repeat residues and DNA bases. The structural basis for this recognition is not known; in particular, it is not clear whether such 1:1 recognition can be accommodated by standard major‐groove readout of B‐form DNA. Here we describe a structure prediction protocol tailored to the TAL–DNA system, and report simulation results that shed light on observed repeat‐base associations and overall TAL structure. Our models demonstrate that TAL–DNA interactions can be explained by a model in which the TAL repeat domain forms a superhelical repeat structure that wraps around undistorted B‐form DNA, paralleling the geometry of the major groove, with contacts between position 13 of each repeat and its associated base pair on the sense strand determining the specificity of DNA recognition.
“Combi‐targeting” mitozolomide: Conferring novel signaling inhibitory properties to an abandoned DNA alkylating agent in the treatment of advanced prostate cancer
Authors: Fang Youqiang , Qiu Qiyu , Domarkas Juozas , Larroque‐Lombard Anne‐Laure , Rao Suman , Rachid Zakaria , Gibbs Bernard F. , Gao Xin , Jean‐Claude Bertrand J.
Published: January 2012

PURPOSE

At the preclinical stage, mitozolomide (MTZ) showed exciting preclinical activity but failed later in clinical trial due to toxic side effects. We surmised that by targeting MTZ to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), we may not only alter its toxicity profile, but also enhance its potency in EGFR‐overexpressing tumors. To test this hypothesis, we designed JDF12, studied its mechanism of action in human prostate cancer (PCa) cells and determined its potency in vivo.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

To analyze its mixed EGFR‐DNA targeting potential, we performed an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and western blotting analysis of EGFR phosphorylation in cells stimulated with EGF. DNA damage was analyzed using the comet assay, and apoptosis quantitated by annexin V binding assay. Growth inhibition in vitro was determined by the sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay and in vivo efficacy analyzed in male CD‐1 nude mice.

RESULTS

The results showed that: Under physiological conditions, JDF12 was hydrolyzed to JDF04R and both agents were capable of inhibiting isolated EGFR tyrosine kinase (TK) and EGFR phosphorylation in EGF‐stimulated cells. JDF12 significantly damaged DNA, induced apoptosis in DU145 cells and was up to 2–10‐fold more potent than equieffective combinations of MTZ and JDF04R or Iressa in a panel that also included LNCaP and its EGFR and ErbB2 transfectants. In vivo, it induced significant antitumor activity in a DU145 xenograft model.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that the superior cytotoxicity of JDF12 when compared with MTZ and JDF04R may be imputed to its potent EGFR‐DNA targeting properties and confirm the ability of this novel strategy to confer EGFR targeting properties to a classical alkylator. Prostate 72:1273–1285, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Spatial and temporal distribution of trunk‐injected 14C‐imidacloprid in Fraxinus trees
Authors: Tanis Sara R , Cregg Bert M , Mota‐Sanchez David , McCullough Deborah G , Poland Therese M
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND: Since the discovery of Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire (emerald ash borer) in 2002, researchers have tested several methods of chemical control. Soil drench or trunk injection products containing imidacloprid are commonly used to control adults. However, efficacy can be highly variable and may be due to uneven translocation of systemic insecticides. The purpose of this study was to determine whether sectored xylem anatomy might influence imidacloprid distribution in tree crowns.

RESULTS: Imidacloprid equivalent concentrations were higher in leaves from branches in the plane of the injection point (0°) than in leaves from branches on the opposite side of the injection point (180°). Leaves from branches 90° to the right of injection points had higher imidacloprid equivalent concentrations than leaves from branches 90° to the left of injection points. Leaves and shoots had higher imidacloprid equivalent concentrations than roots and trunk cores, indicating that imidacloprid moves primarily through the xylem.

CONCLUSION: Imidacloprid equivalent concentration in leaves varied over time and in relation to injection points. It is concluded that ash trees have sectored ‘zigzag’ xylem architecture patterns consistent with sectored flow distribution. This could lead to variable distribution of imidacloprid in tree crowns and therefore to variable control of A. planipennis. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Soil application of neonicotinoid insecticides for control of insect pests in wine grape vineyards
Authors: Van Timmeren Steven , Wise John C , Isaacs Rufus
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND: Soil application of systemic neonicotinoid insecticides can provide opportunities for long‐term control of insect pests in vineyards, with minimal risk of pesticide drift or worker exposure. This study compared the effectiveness of neonicotinoid insecticides applied via irrigation injection on key early‐season and mid‐season insect pests of vineyards in the eastern United States.

RESULTS: On vines trained to grow on drip irrigation, early‐season application of imidacloprid, clothianidin, thiamethoxam and dinotefuran provided high levels of control against the potato leafhopper, Empoasca fabae. Protection of vines against Japanese beetle, Popillia japonica, and grape berry moth, Paralobesia viteana, was also observed after mid‐season applications. Efficacy was poor in commercial vineyards when treatments were applied to the soil before irrigation or rain, indicating that vines must be grown with an irrigation system for efficient uptake of the insecticide.

CONCLUSIONS: In drip‐irrigated vineyards, soil‐applied neonicotinoids can be used to provide long residual control of either early‐season or mid‐ to late‐season foliage pests of vineyards. This approach can reduce the dependence on foliar‐applied insecticides, with associated benefits for non‐target exposure to workers and natural enemies. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Ground‐layer snow clouds
Authors: Vali G. , Leon D. , Snider J. R.
Published: January 2012

Snow clouds forming directly over the ground and reaching depths of up to a kilometre have been observed with a W‐band airborne radar. The phenomenon is referred to here as ‘ground‐layer snow cloud’ (GSC). Most of the cases were observed over mountainous terrain but some were seen over nearly flat terrain. These snow clouds occurred over snow‐covered ground. The temperature at their point of first appearance on rising slopes was in the range 0 to −10°C with humidity close to water saturation. GSCs form within windy and highly turbulent surface layers, with specific features linked to sudden rises or dips in terrain. The most plausible explanation for the formation of the GSC is that snow particles lofted from the surface grow in the ice‐supersaturated environment and mix throughout the turbulent layer. Sufficiently high humidity for crystal growth distinguishes these clouds from blowing snow in dry air. On the downwind sides of mountains, the snow clouds precipitate and evaporate. As for blowing snow, visibility within GSCs is greatly reduced. The GSC represents a form of horizontal water mass transport. When a GSC forms with other clouds present above it, as is frequently the case, there is a clear potential for those clouds to be seeded from below, thereby altering their evolution, precipitation distribution, and other impacts. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Surface characterisation of PET modified using a p‐DC or HIPIMS reactive sputter pre‐treatment
Authors: Hinder S. J. , Audronis M. , Bellido‐Gonzalez V. , Mack P. , Baker M. A.
Published: January 2012

Surface‐sensitive techniques have been employed to characterise a model polymer substrate surface, poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), after a reactive sputter pre‐treatment using magnetically enhanced Cu or Ti sputter targets in a mixed Ar‐O2 glow discharge plasma. The plasmas are produced using either medium‐frequency pulsed direct current (p‐DC) or low‐frequency high power impulse (HIPIMS) sources. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS) and sessile drop water contact angles were employed to investigate changes in PET surface chemistry and properties following surface modification using different p‐DC and HIPIMS process parameters.

The XPS results indicate that the chemical composition of plasma‐treated PET surfaces (p‐DC or HIPIMS) depends strongly on the processing parameters employed such as sputter target material, magnetic array type and power supply technology. XPS results demonstrate that the sputter target material employed is of primary importance as it dictates the quantity of metal deposited/implanted into the PET surface. XPS results show that the use of a Cu target resulted in ~ 31–35 at.% of Cu incorporated into the PET surface (as CuO), while the use of a Ti target resulted in only 1–4 at. % incorporation (as TiO2). The SIMS spectra and XPS depth profiles of Cu‐treated PET indicate that the CuO has formed a discrete film at the surface, offering predominant or total coverage of the underlying PET. However, for Ti‐treated PET, both PET and Ti SIMS peaks are observed, and the XPS C1s peak shape is characteristic of PET, indicating that Ti has not formed a discrete film, but instead TiO2 species have been incorporated, probably as an island‐like distribution into the surface of the PET. The formation of CuO and TiO2 on the PET surface leads to a reduction in the contact angle compared to native PET. Hence, both p‐DC and HIPIMS reactive plasma pre‐treatments result in a more hydrophilic surface, promoting adhesion and offering a flexible means to introduce a wide range of surface chemistries and properties to polymeric surfaces. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Depth profiling in secondary ion mass spectrometry for ultra‐thin layer with nanometer order thickness by mesa‐structure fabrication
Authors: Seki S. , Tamura H. , Wada Y. , Tsutsui K.
Published: January 2012

We attempted to make an accurate depth profiling in secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) including backside SIMS for ultra‐thin nanometer order layer. The depth profiles for HfO2 layers that were 3 and 5 nm thick in a‐Si/HfO2/Si were measured using quadrupole and magnetic sector type SIMS instruments. The depth profiling for an ultra‐thin layer with a high depth resolution strongly depends on how the crater‐edge and knock‐on effects can be properly reduced. Therefore, it is important to control the analyzing conditions, such as the primary ion energy, the beam focusing size, the incidence angle, the rastered area, and detected area to reduce these effects. The crater‐edge effect was significantly reduced by fabricating the sample into a mesa‐shaped structure using a photolithography technique. The knock‐on effect will be serious when the depth of the layer of interest from the surface is located within the depth of the ion mixing region due to the penetration of the primary ions. Finally, we were able to separately assign the origin of the distortion to the crater‐edge effect and knock‐on effect. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Summary of ISO/TC 201 Standard: ISO 14701:2011 – Surface chemical analysis – X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy—measurement of silicon oxide thickness
Authors: Seah M. P.
Published: January 2012

This International Standard specifies several methods for measuring the oxide thickness at the surfaces of (100) and (111) silicon wafers as an equivalent thickness of silicon dioxide when measured using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. It is only applicable to flat, polished samples and for instruments that incorporate an Al or Mg X‐ray source, a sample stage that permits defined photoelectron emission angles and a spectrometer with an input lens that may be restricted to less than a 6° cone semiangle. For thermal oxides in the range 1‐ to 8‐nm thickness, using the best method described in this International Standard, uncertainties at a 95% confidence level around 2% may be typical and around 1% at optimum. A simpler method is also given with slightly poorer, but often adequate, uncertainties. Copyright © 2012 Crown copyright.
Enhancing OSGi with real‐time Java support
Authors: Basanta‐Val P. , García‐Valls M. , Estévez‐Ayres I.
Published: January 2012

OSGi was designed with embedded systems in mind, its current support is insufficient for coping with one main characteristic of many embedded systems: real‐time performance. This article analyzes different key issues in providing OSGi with real‐time Java performance covering motivational issues, and different integration ways and challenges stemming from the integration. It also contributes a general framework for introducing real‐time performance in OSGi, which is called the real‐time for OSGi framework. The framework uses real‐time Java virtual machines and the real‐time specification for Java. The adoption of this framework allows cyber‐physical systems to experience real‐time Java performance in their applications. The framework introduces several integration levels for OSGi and real‐time specification for Java, and specific real‐time OSGi services. An empirical implementation was carried out using standard software, which was extended with the new defined services. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrocatalysis in proteins, nucleic acids and carbohydrates
Authors: Paleček Emil , Bartošík Martin , Ostatná Veronika , Trefulka Mojmír
Published: January 2012

The ability of proteins to catalyze hydrogen evolution has been known for more than 80 years, but the poorly developed d.c. polarographic “pre‐sodium wave” was of little analytical use. Recently, we have shown that by using constant current chronopotentiometric stripping analysis, proteins produce a well‐developed peak H at hanging mercury drop and solid amalgam electrodes. Peak H sensitively reflects changes in protein structures due to protein denaturation, single amino acid exchange, etc. at the picomole level. Unmodified DNA and RNA do not yield such a peak, but they produce electrocatalytic voltammetric signals after modification with osmium tetroxide complexes with nitrogen ligands [Os(VIII)L], binding covalently to pyrimidine bases in nucleic acids. Recently, it has been shown that six‐valent [Os(VI)L] complexes bind to 1,2‐diols in polysaccharides and oligosaccharides, producing voltammetric responses similar to those of DNA‐Os(VIII)L adducts. Electrocatalytic peaks produced by Os‐modified nucleic acids, proteins (reaction with tryptophan residues) and carbohydrates are due to the catalytic hydrogen evolution, allowing determination of oligomers at the picomolar level. DOI 10.1002/tcr.201100029
Using Higher Order Questioning to Accelerate Students’ Growth in Reading
Authors: Peterson Debra S. , Taylor Barbara M.
Published: January 2012

The purpose of this article is to describe the changes in reading instruction that teachers made that contributed to students’ growth in reading. Teachers made the transition from instruction that was primarily teacher‐directed and focused on lower‐level questions to instruction that supported students in their higher order talk and writing about texts. These teachers worked with diverse student populations in schools that had previously struggled to make adequate yearly progress, yet across three years of reading reform their students continued to make important gains in their reading achievement. These findings and examples may stimulate reflection and challenge other reading professionals to consider important research‐validated elements of effective reading instruction.
Combining Traditional And New Literacies In A 21st‐Century Writing Workshop
Authors: Bogard Jennifer M. , McMackin Mary C.
Published: January 2012

This article describes how third graders combine traditional literacy practices, including writer's notebooks and graphic organizers, with new literacies, such as video editing software, to create digital personal narratives. The authors emphasize the role of planning in the recursive writing process and describe how technology‐based audio recordings, usingiPods and LiveScribe pens, allow students to narrate, critically evaluate, and revise their stories before writing first drafts. The authors discuss the benefits of integrating recorded oral rehearsals into the writing process and explain how, with peer conferencing and teacher support, the audio drafts evolve into multiple written drafts, storyboards, andiMovies. Creating digital stories that are shared with proximate audiences (e.g, classmates and families) and distant, sometimes unknown audiences through a class blog, provide students with meaningful, engaging, 21st‐century opportunities to communicate ideas through the use of multimodal resources.
Hand‐Clap Songs Across the Curriculum
Authors: Batchelor Katherine E. , Bintz William P.
Published: January 2012

This teaching tip focuses on using hand‐clapping to teach content area material across the curriculum. We begin with a brief history of hand‐clap songs, followed by a rationale for using them in content area literacy. Then, we describe the instructional lesson, share samples that resulted, and discuss lesson extensions. Our goal is to have participating teachers engage in and learn from activities like the one instructional lesson provides. Our hope is that other teachers across grade levels and content areas will adopt or adapt this lesson to help their own students use hand‐clap songs to learn content material across the curriculum.
Variation in Growth and Potentially Associated Health Status in Hermann's and Spur‐Thighed Tortoise (Testudo hermanni and Testudo graeca)
Authors: Ritz Julia , Clauss Marcus , Streich W. Jürgen , Hatt Jean‐Michel
Published: January 2012

Captive reptiles often show higher growth rates than in the wild, possibly due to higher feeding intensity. Although health problems are usually linked to inappropriate diets, fast growth itself, such as triggered by appropriate diets fed in high amounts, has traditionally also been considered unfavorable for tortoises. We document growth rates (based on age and mass) from private Testudo hermanni and T. graeca breeders, which are generally higher than those reported for free‐ranging specimens, but show enormous variation. Tortoise patients presented to an exotics clinic also covered the whole growth rate spectrum. To test whether fast growth was associated with diseases, the age–body mass relationship of these patients was tested, in a retrospective evaluation, for additional influence factors, such as dietary history and occurrence of certain diet and growth‐related diseases. No indication was found that animals particularly heavy for their age were more prone to diet/growth‐related disorders. In general, tortoises fed diets with meat/grain were heavier for their age than tortoises fed more appropriate diets; dietary history was not related to a particular disease. The results suggest the age–body mass relationship may not be suitable for testing effects of fast growth; an age–body length relationship would be more appropriate. Animals presented for a diet/growth‐related disorder were younger than animals presented for other reasons; there was a significant negative correlation between the severity of pyramiding and age, suggesting that growth‐related disorders may well limit the life expectancy of tortoises. Controlled clinical studies are required to fully test this hypothesis. Zoo Biol. 31:705‐717, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Accuracy of BRCA1/2 Mutation Prediction Models for Different Ethnicities and Genders: Experience in a Southern Chinese Cohort
Authors: Kwong Ava , Wong Connie H. N. , Suen Dacita T. K. , Co Michael , Kurian Allison W. , West Dee W. , Ford James M.
Published: January 2012

Background

BRCA1/2 mutation prediction models (BRCAPRO, Myriad II, Couch, Shattuck‐Eidens, BOADICEA) are well established in western cohorts to estimate the probability of BRCA1/2 mutations. Results are conflicting in Asian populations. Most studies did not account for gender‐specific prediction. We evaluated the performance of these models in a Chinese cohort, including males, before BRCA1/2 mutation testing.

Methods

The five risk models were used to calculate the probability of BRCA mutations in probands with breast and ovarian cancers; 267 were non‐BRCA mutation carriers (247 females and 20 males) and 43 were BRCA mutation carriers (38 females and 5 males).

Results

Mean BRCA prediction scores for all models were statistically better for carriers than noncarriers for females but not for males. BRCAPRO overestimated the numbers of female BRCA1/2 mutation carriers at thresholds ≥20% but underestimated if <20%. BRCAPRO and BOADICEA underestimated the number of male BRCA1/2 mutation carriers whilst Myriad II underestimated the number of both male and female carriers. In females, BRCAPRO showed similar discrimination, as measured by the area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) for BRCA1/2 combined mutation prediction to BOADICEA, but performed better than BOADICEA in BRCA1 mutation prediction (AUC 93% vs. 87%). BOADICEA had the best discrimination for BRCA1/2 combined mutation prediction (AUC 87%) in males.

Conclusions

The variation in model performance underscores the need for research on larger Asian cohorts as prediction models, and the possible need for customizing these models for different ethnic groups and genders.
Spatial and host‐plant partitioning between coexisting Bemisia tabaci cryptic species in Tunisia
Authors: Saleh Dounia , Laarif Asma , Clouet Cécile , Gauthier Nathalie
Published: January 2012

The whitefly Bemisia tabaci is a species complex including at least 24 morphologically indistinguishable species among which the Mediterranean (Med) and Middle East‐Asia Minor I (MEAMI) species containing the biotypes commonly known as Q and B, respectively. These B and Q biotypes (hereafter referred to as MEAMI and Med species) are the most invasive agricultural pests of the B. tabaci complex worldwide. The spread of MEAMI and more recently of Med species into regions already invaded by other B. tabaci populations has been frequently seen to lead to their displacement by Med species. In Tunisia, in contrast to usual observations in the Mediterranean basin, Med and MEAMI species have been seen to co‐occur in the main crop producing regions. Based on fine population genetics and field spatial distribution analyses, we found that the co‐existence of these two interacting species was based on habitat partitioning including spatial and host‐plant partitioning. Although they co‐occurred at larger spatial scales, they excluded one another at sample scale. We observed neither spatial overlapping nor hybridization between MEAMI and Med B. tabaci. Vegetable crops were the main hosts for MEAMI specimens while 99.1% of the B. tabaci collected on the ornamental, Lantana camara, were Med specimens. Different patterns of genetic diversity were observed between the two species, as well as among Med specimens sampled on the ornamental versus vegetables, with the highest genetic diversity found in Med B. tabaci sampled on L. camara. These findings lead us to focus our discussion on the role played by lantana, human pressure, and competition, in the spatial and genetic patterns observed in the whitefly B. tabaci.