bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison between POES energetic electron precipitation observations and riometer absorptions: Implications for determining true precipitation fluxes
Authors: Rodger Craig J. , Kavanagh Andrew J. , Clilverd Mark A. , Marple Steve R.
Published: November 2013

Energetic electron precipitation (EEP) impacts the chemistry of the middle atmosphere with growing evidence of coupling to surface temperatures at high latitudes. To better understand this link, it is essential to have realistic observations to properly characterize precipitation and which can be incorporated into chemistry‐climate models. The Polar‐orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite (POES) detectors measure precipitating particles but only integral fluxes and only in a fraction of the bounce loss cone. Ground‐based riometers respond to precipitation from the whole bounce loss cone; they measure the cosmic radio noise absorption (CNA), a qualitative proxy with scant direct information on the energy flux of EEP. POES observations should have a direct relationship with ΔCNA and comparing the two will clarify their utility in studies of atmospheric change. We determined ionospheric changes produced by the EEP measured by the POES spacecraft in ~250 overpasses of an imaging riometer in northern Finland. The ΔCNA modeled from the POES data is 10–15 times less than the observed ΔCNA when the >30 keV flux is reported as <106 cm−2 s−1 sr−1. Above this level, there is relatively good agreement between the space‐based and ground‐based measurements. The discrepancy occurs mostly during periods of low geomagnetic activity, and we contend that weak diffusion is dominating the pitch angle scattering into the bounce loss cone at these times. A correction to the calculation using measurements of the trapped flux considerably reduces the discrepancy and provides further support to our hypothesis that weak diffusion leads to underestimates of the EEP.
Near‐bed turbulence dissipation measurements in the inner surf and swash zone
Authors: Lanckriet Thijs , Puleo Jack A.
Published: November 2013

Near‐bed turbulence dissipation rates were quantified in the swash zone and inner surf zone of a dissipative beach. The vertical structure and temporal evolution of the dissipation rate were calculated using the structure function applied to profiles of the vertical velocity collected by three profiling acoustic Doppler velocimeters. Dissipation rates between
and
were observed. Turbulence dissipation rates increased with diminishing water depth but showed no significant correlation to offshore wave height. Temporal phasing of strong turbulence dissipation events agreed well with image‐based observations of pixel intensity associated with wave breaking. Bore‐generated turbulence decayed rapidly following bore arrival and followed a decay rate similar to grid turbulence. The turbulence dissipation was dominated by (advected) bore‐generated turbulence during the uprush and initial stages of the backwash, and by bed‐generated turbulence during the later stages of the backwash. A scaling analysis shows that near the bed, sediment‐induced density stratification effects may have been an order of magnitude larger than turbulence dissipation.
Quasi‐decadal signals of Sahel rainfall and West African monsoon since the mid‐twentieth century
Authors: Dieppois Bastien , Diedhiou Arona , Durand Alain , Fournier Matthieu , Massei Nicolas , Sebag David , Xue Yongkang , Fontaine Bernard
Published: November 2013

Sahel rainfall shows pronounced decadal variability and a negative trend between wet conditions in the 1950s–1960s and dry ones in the 1970s–1980s. Using continuous wavelet transform, the quasi‐decadal variability (QDV) of rainfall reveals zonal contrasts. The highest QDV is identified in the 1950s–1960s over western Sahel and in the 1970s–1980s over eastern Sahel. The quasi‐decadal atmospheric anomalies have been reconstructed using Fourier transform for the 1950s–1960s and the 1970s–1980s, respectively, and assessed by the composite analysis of the QDV phases for the periods before and after 1968. Over western Sahel, the rainfall QDV in the 1950s–1960s is related to the North Atlantic sea surface temperature (SST) variability, as highlighted by the wavelet coherence. A southward shift trend of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) is identified through an enhancement of northeasterly fluxes and moisture convergence over the western part of West Africa. A decrease (increase) of southern (northern) subtropical sinking motions seems to be involved. In the 1970s–1980s, a strengthening of cross‐equatorial Atlantic SST and pressure gradients is related to an increase of monsoon flow from lower troposphere up to the midtroposphere and to the northward shift of the ITCZ, mainly over eastern Sahel. The Pacific SST influence is also identified, which involves changes in the global zonal circulation.
Anomalous phenomena in Schumann resonance band observed in China before the 2011 magnitude 9.0 Tohoku‐Oki earthquake in Japan
Authors: Zhou Hongjuan , Zhou Zhiquan , Qiao Xiaolin , Yu Haiyan
Published: November 2013

The anomalous phenomena in the Schumann resonance (SR) band, possibly associated with the Tohoku‐Oki earthquake (EQ), are studied based on the ELF observations at two stations in China. The anomaly appeared on 8 March, 3 days prior to the main shock, and was characterized by an increase in the intensity at frequencies from the first mode to the fourth mode in both magnetic field components, different from the observations in Japan before large EQs in Taiwan. The abnormal behaviors of the north‐south and east‐west magnetic field components primarily appeared at 0000–0900 UT and 0200–0900 UT on 8 March, respectively. The finite difference time domain numerical method is applied to model the impact of seismic process on the ELF radio propagation. A partially uniform knee model of the vertical conductivity profile suggested by V. C. Mushtak is used to model the day‐night asymmetric Earth‐ionosphere cavity, and a locally EQ‐induced disturbance model of the atmospheric conductivity is introduced. The atmospheric conductivity is assumed to increase around the epicenter according to the localized enhancement of total electron content in the ionosphere. It is concluded that the SR anomalous phenomena before the Tohoku‐Oki EQ have much to do with the excited sources located at South America and Asia and also with the localized distribution of the disturbed conductivity. This work is a further confirmation of the relationship of SR anomalies with large EQs and has further concluded that the distortions in the SR band before large EQs may be caused by the irregularities located over the shock epicenter in the Earth‐ionosphere cavity by numerical method.
General circulation modeling of the Martian upper atmosphere during global dust storms
Authors: Medvedev Alexander S. , Yiğit Erdal , Kuroda Takeshi , Hartogh Paul
Published: November 2013

Simulations with a general circulation model (GCM) have been performed to study the Martian upper atmosphere during two major dust storms. The GCM extending from the surface to about 160 km included a spectral parameterization of subgrid‐scale gravity waves suitable for planetary thermospheres, and prescribed four‐dimensional dust distributions corresponding to storm events near the equinox and solstice (Martian years 25 and 28, respectively). The results show that the wind and temperature fields in the upper atmosphere above ∼100 km respond to such storms as intensively as in the lower atmosphere. During the equinoctial storm, the temperature above the mesopause dropped by up to 30 K everywhere except in the Northern Hemisphere high latitudes, where it rose by up to 15 K. At the solstitial storm, the temperature above the mesopause decreased by up to 40 K in the winter hemisphere, by 15 K in the summer hemisphere, and increased by 30–40 K in tropics and in the summer hemisphere above 130 km. Prograde and retrograde zonal wind jets intensified throughout the atmosphere at all heights and during both dust scenarios. These changes are the result of the altered meridional overturning circulation induced by resolved and unresolved waves. Atmospheric density during dust storms enhanced in average by a factor of 2 to 3 in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere, which agrees well with observations.
Fundamentals of Water Relations and Thermoregulation in Animals
Authors: Costa Daniel P , Houser Dorian S , Crocker Daniel E
Published: November 2013

Animals must maintain their internal environment relatively constant with respect to water, electrolytes and temperature. The process by which they regulate the concentration of their internal water and solute concentrations is called osmoregulation. Osmoregulation is accomplished by physiological, anatomical and behavioural adaptations. These include adaptations that modify the permeability of external surfaces and the development of specialised structures that actively transport solutes and metabolites. Animals face the greatest osmoregulatory challenge in terrestrial environments because concentration gradients there are the greatest. As evaporative cooling is used for thermoregulation in terrestrial environments, animals are often faced with the dilemma of maintaining either water or thermal balance, but not both.

Key Concepts:

Water and solute balance is maintained by ensuring that the rate of water and solute loss is equivalent to the rate of water and solute coming into the animal.

Water and electrolytes can enter or leave the body by exchange across the skin and respiratory surfaces and can be gained through ingestion of food and lost through excretion (faeces or urine).

Metabolic processes produce both water and nitrogenous waste products. Nitrogenous wastes are excreted through specialised structures.

Desert animals have special adaptations to reduce water loss, which include allowing body temperatures to drift, avoidance of warm temperatures by burrowing or nocturnal behaviour.

Aquatic animals primarily excrete their nitrogenous wastes as ammonia, whereas terrestrial animals where water is less available excrete either urea (mammals and amphibians) or uric acid (birds and lizards).

Elasmobranchs (sharks and rays) retain urea in their body fluids to maintain a beneficial osmotic gradient. The toxic effects of elevated concentrations of urea are alleviated by the presence of TMAO.

Terrestrial animals reduce permeability of their skin by adding layers of lipid, keratin or chitin. Arthropods have the lowest rate of cutaneous water loss.

Marine lizards and birds have evolved specialised glands that allow for the excretion of excess salt, whereas mammals have evolved kidneys that can excrete highly concentrated urine.

Some animals employ behaviour to find microclimates that allows them to exist within extreme environments, thus allowing them to exist there in the absence of physiological or anatomical adaptations.
Transforming Kinship
Authors: Franklin Sarah
Published: November 2013

The analysis of kinship, a core concept in the social sciences, has continued to evolve in the context of new technologies, alternative parenting strategies and globalisation. A widening array of diverse kinship practices encompasses new meanings of ‘shared substance’ as well as ‘being related’ and having ‘genealogical’ or ‘conjugal’ connections. The introduction of ‘achieved’ (non ‘natural’) parenthood in the 1980s has not, as was predicted by some, either undermined or weakened familial ties or obligations – instead, if anything, it has the reverse effect. Similarly, the increased emphasis on molecular genetic information has not been found to have engendered a more essentialist model of parenthood or kinship. Instead, a pattern of flexible adjustment to both traditional kinship norms (however these may be defined) and the creation of alternative kinship possibilities, including new scientific options for parenthood, have characterised the transformation of kinship in the early twenty‐first century.

Key Concepts:

New reproductive and genetic technologies have introduced new dimensions to the study of kinship, as well as its practice.

In general, western models of kinship have become more diverse and flexible rather than more fixed and determining in the wake of new forms of technological assistance to conception.

The increase in biological control of reproduction is inversely related to biological determinism.

Kinship has become less defined by ideas of what is natural or biological, at the same time ideas of what is natural or biological have become more diverse and hybrid.

New patterns of ‘naturalising’ kin ties, through strategic labour to ‘make’ kin, now comprise a substantial element of both kinship study and practices of ‘kinning’.

New practices of ‘achieving’ parenthood have displaced the former reliance upon universal, biogenetic explanations of conception in favour of more deliberately chosen strategies of ‘making’ kindred offspring.

The social study of kinship has been revitalised by the emphasis on ‘new kinships’.
Olfaction: Central Processing
Authors: McGann John P
Published: November 2013

Olfactory receptor neurons in the nasal epithelium detect a huge variety of airborne chemicals (termed ‘odourants’) and encode information about these stimuli in the form of action potentials. This code is then transmitted to the brain, where spatiotemporal patterns of neural activity represent the identity, concentration and temporal dynamics of the odourants. Neural processing of olfactory information at multiple levels in the brain mediates odour recognition, synthetic olfactory perceptions and provides feedback control to the initial stages of the olfactory pathway. This article presents some of the challenges in olfactory information processing and then reviews our current knowledge of the mechanisms by which the olfactory bulb and olfactory cortex represent odours and analyse olfactory information.

Key Concepts:

The chemical identity of an odourant is represented by the set of ORNs it stimulates and determines the odour's perceived quality.

The concentration of an odourant is represented jointly by the amplitude of the ORN response and the recruitment of ORNs expressing lower affinity receptors; this determines the odour's perceived intensity.

Each olfactory bulb glomerulus receives axonal projections from a set of ORNs expressing the same odour receptor.

An odour stimulates a subset of ORNs (based on their odour receptor expression) and thus drives activity in a corresponding subset of olfactory bulb glomeruli – this odour‐to‐glomerulus mapping is one of the most accessible codes in the nervous system.

Activity in olfactory bulb glomeruli is determined by a complex set of interactions among ORN sensory inputs, interneurons within and between glomeruli and modulatory inputs from other brain regions.

The set of mitral cells responding during odour presentation represents the chemical identity of the odour, whereas their firing frequency and timing provides additional information about the odour concentration.

Activity in mitral cells is shaped by complex interactions with inhibitory granule cells that interconnect mitral cells receiving disparate sensory input.

Neurons in piriform cortex respond to specific combinations of input from mitral cells in the olfactory bulb, thus selectively responding to certain odours or combinations of odours.
Regulation and Function of the MYC Oncogene
Authors: Kalkat Manpreet , Penn Linda Z
Published: November 2013

The
MYC
oncogene has been the subject of intense study for more than 30 years, due to its important role in tumourigenesis. MYC is a nuclear transcription factor that can regulate the expression of a multitude of target genes, and its expression in tumours is often associated with poor prognosis. Although decades of research have provided insights into its molecular function as a transcription factor, the mechanisms by which MYC can induce cellular transformation have remained elusive. In addition to the regulation of genes important for cell cycle progression, metabolism, apoptosis and angiogenesis, MYC has wide‐reaching effects, including the alteration of cellular epigenetics and total
ribonucleic acid (RNA)
content. Recent reports have suggested that post‐translational modification (PTM) of MYC is important for regulating the activity and functions of this potent oncogene; however, surprisingly, little research has been conducted in this area. Herein, the authors summarise recent findings regarding the molecular and biological functions of MYC and their relationship to the PTMs of MYC.

Key Concepts:

The
MYC
oncogene encodes a nuclear basic helix‐loop‐helix transcription factor.

MYC regulates a large number of transcriptional targets and can have wide‐reaching effects on proliferation, the epigenome and total cellular RNA content.

MYC
is essential for cellular proliferation and is a potent oncogene when it is deregulated in cancer.

Deregulated, often elevated, MYC levels have been shown to initiate tumourigenesis in many
in vivo
models.

MYC activity and stability is regulated by post‐translational modifications, including phosphorylation, ubiquitylation and acetylation.
Meckel Syndrome and Related Disorders
Authors: Frank Valeska , Bergmann Carsten
Published: November 2013

Cilia‐related disorders (ciliopathies) are characterised by great clinical and genetic heterogeneity and overlaps between different disease entities. Meckel syndrome (MKS) is generally allelic to Joubert syndrome and related disorders, and resides at the severe end of the broad phenotypic spectrum of ciliopathies. MKS is a usually autosomal recessive, multisystemic disorder of early developmental rather than degenerative nature. Classic disease manifestations comprise occipital meningoencephalocele, cystic kidneys, hepatobiliary ductal plate malformation and postaxial polydactyly, whereas several other additional features such as heart defects and cleft lip/palate have also been reported. Survival beyond birth or the neonatal period is unusual with the vast majority of cases dying in utero. Until recently and before next‐generation sequencing (NGS) have emerged, molecular genetic testing of MKS and related ciliopathies was considerably hampered by its extensive locus heterogeneity. However, NGS‐based technologies make genetic testing now possible and have revolutionised research and diagnostics. For example, specific disease panels that allow sequencing of all disease genes in parallel significantly improve genetic diagnostics and lead to reduction of turnaround times and costs.

Key Concepts:

Meckel syndrome (MKS) resides at the severe end of the broad phenotypic spectrum of cilia‐related disorders (ciliopathies).

MKS and other ciliopathies are clinically and genetically heterogeneous.

MKS is a usually autosomal recessive, early developmental multisystemic disorder.

Most patients die in utero, survival beyond birth or the neonatal period is unusual.

Classic disease manifestations comprise occipital meningoencephalocele, cystic kidneys, hepatobiliary ductal plate malformation and postaxial polydactyly, but additional features are common.

At least 10 genes are known for MKS currently, other ciliary genes are thought to be allelic; that is why more than a dozen genes have to be considered to be disease relevant in patients with MKS.

Efficient molecular genetic testing of MKS and related disorders have only become feasible with emerging next‐generation sequencing (NGS)‐based approaches.

Specific disease panels (e.g. for MKS and related disorders) allow sequencing of all disease genes in parallel and very efficiently lead to reduction of turnaround times and costs.
Genetics of Keratoconus
Authors: Doss C George Priya , Chaturvedi Richa , Hansoge Lalith N
Published: November 2013

Keratoconus is a mysterious disease of cornea with diverse genetic complexity. Past 160 years of molecular genetics revolution has witnessed the identification of candidate genes with multiple loci through genome‐wide association studies (GWAS). This article provides key insight into the genetics of keratoconus along with diagnosis, treatment and management.

Key Concepts:

Keratoconus is a noninflammatory corneal progressive ectasia that is bilateral and asymmetric, characterised by steepening and deformation of the cornea, thinning of the apical cornea and corneal scarring.

Patients with moderate keratoconus are observed with Fleischer ring around the cone base due to an accumulation of iron deposits. Also Vogt striae, which are fine vertical lines due to compression of Descemet membrane, can be seen.

In keratoconus, the cornea's normal defence system is lost and leads to accumulation of free radicals in the tissue, which can cause structural damage.

Monozygotic twins have higher concordance of keratoconus than dizygotic twins, which is shown by their phenotypic similarity. This type of evaluation can be made in situations where a clinical sign does not show a genetic pattern. As far as the age groups that get afflicted with the disease are concerned, the keratoconus‐affected individuals between 30–40 years of age are higher than the other groups.

Approximately 17 genomic loci have been described from 12 studies based on linkage analysis. This propounds at large the genetic disparities in keratoconus. Further, these studies make possible to consider the mutational effects in different genes that are responsible for the disease.

Visual System Homeobox 1
(
VSX1
) is the most widely reported gene for keratoconus. This gene codes for a transcription factor that helps in ocular development and development of cornea. Mutations in the locus of this gene are reported to be pathogenic and are positive in keratoconus patients.

Early signs for diagnosing include irregularity of reflex observed by retinoscopy, distortion of the corneal reflection observed by keratometry and conical contour revealed by the fit of a corneal lens.

Nowadays, surgical procedures to selectively replace either the anterior or the posterior layer are used. Keratoplasty is employed to remove the damaged cornea. The distorted cornea is replaced entirely or partially by graft. Entire removal of the keratoconic cornea is called penetrating keratoplasty, whereas if a part of the cornea is removed, it is called lamellar keratoplasty.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Carbonylative Synthesis of Phthalimides from 1,2‐Dibromoarenes with Molybdenum Hexacarbonyl as Carbon Monoxide Source
Authors: Wu Xiao‐Feng , Oschatz Stefan , Sharif Muhammad , Flader Anika , Krey Lisa , Beller Matthias , Langer Peter
Published: November 2013

We describe here a convenient and mild, carbon monoxide gas‐free palladium‐catalyzed procedure to obtain N‐substituted phthalimides with molybdenum hexacarbonyl as carbon monoxide precursor. These conditions tolerate a number of functional groups on the benzene ring as well as a number of amines and give the corresponding phthalimides in good to excellent yields.

magnified image
A case of 14q11.2 microdeletion with autistic features, severe obesity and facial dysmorphisms suggestive of Wolf–Hirschhorn syndrome
Authors: Terrone Gaetano , Cappuccio Gerarda , Genesio Rita , Esposito Annalisa , Fiorentino Valeria , Riccitelli Marina , Nitsch Lucio , Brunetti‐Pierri Nicola , Del Giudice Ennio
Published: November 2013

We report on a 21‐year old woman with intellectual disability, autistic features, severe obesity, and facial dysmorphisms suggestive of Wolf–Hirschhorn syndrome (WHS). Array‐CGH analysis showed a 2.89 Mb deletion on chromosome 14q11.2 containing 47 known genes. The most interesting genes included in this deletion are CHD8, a chromodomain helicase DNA binding protein that is associated with autism spectrum disorders, and MMP14, a matrix metalloproteinase that has been linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes. This report shows that 14q11.2 microdeletions can mimic WHS and suggests that gene(s) in the deleted interval that may be responsible for a phenocopy of WHS. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A fetus with de novo 2q33.2q35 deletion including MAP2 with brain anomalies, esophageal atresia, and laryngeal stenosis
Authors: van Binsbergen Ellen , Ellis Richard J. , Abdelmalik Nadia , Jarvis Joanna , Randhawa Kashmir , Wyatt‐Ashmead Josephine , Canham Natalie , Thorpe‐Beeston J Guy , Mancini Grazia M.S. , Van Haelst Mieke M.
Published: November 2013

Deletions of the long arm of chromosome 2 are rare. Few cases of interstitial deletions of the 2q33q35 region have been reported. Individuals with deletions in this region have growth retardation, psychomotor retardation, micrognathia, microcephaly, and apparently low‐set ears. We describe a female fetus with a de novo deletion of 2q33.2 to q35 with delayed gyral formation with widespread neuronal heterotopia of the white matter, small cerebellum, esophageal atresia, laryngeal stenosis, micrognathia, and intrauterine growth retardation. With the use of karyotyping and high‐resolution array comparative genomic hybridization the boundaries and gene content of the deletion were identified. Our aim was to determine whether a candidate gene for the brain phenotype was present in the deletion. By this means and based on literature we pinpointed the microtubule associated gene MAP2 as a candidate for the brain anomalies. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Co‐occurrence of hemiscrotal agenesis with cutis marmorata telangiectatica congenita and hydronephrosis affecting the same side of the body
Authors: Corona‐Rivera Jorge Román , Acosta‐León Jorge , León‐Hernández Miguel Ángel , Martínez‐Macías Francisco Javier , Bobadilla‐Morales Lucina , Corona‐Rivera Alfredo
Published: November 2013

To our knowledge, there are nine previous reports of patients with congenital scrotal agenesis (CSA), seven of which were bilateral, and unilateral in two, also named as hemiscrotal agenesis (HSA). Here, we report a male infant with the previously undescribed co‐occurrence of HSA with cutis marmorata telangiectatica congenita (CMTC), and hydronephrosis due to vesicoureteral reflux, all of them on the left side. CMTC is a segmental vascular malformation usually attributed to mosaicism of a postzygotic mutation, whereas the mechanisms in the CSA involve a failure on the labioscrotal fold (LSF) development due to a localized 5α‐reductase deficiency and/or androgen insensitivity. Since the skin with HSA was affected also by CMTC and by the fact that it exhibited lack of response to the topical testosterone treatment, all this suggests to us an androgen insensitivity mosaicism in our patient restricted to the left LSF, because skin with intact androgen receptors normally shows some type of response. Since CSA and/or HSA have been also seen in patients with PHACES, popitleal pterygium syndrome, or as part of a recently proposed familial entity with CSA (or agenesis of labia majora as its female counterpart), developmental delay, visual impairment, and moderate hearing loss, further reports could confirm this manifest genetic heterogeneity, highly evocative of somatic mosaicism in our patient. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Subocclusal dental morphology of sahelanthropus tchadensis and the evolution of teeth in hominins
Authors: Emonet Edouard‐Georges , Andossa Likius , Taïsso Mackaye Hassane , Brunet Michel
Published: November 2013

The evolution of the teeth in hominins is characterized by, among other characters, major changes in root morphology. However, little is known of the evolution from a plesiomorphic, ape‐like root morphology to the crown hominin morphology. Here we present a study of the root morphology of the Miocene Chadian hominin Sahelanthropus tchadensis and its comparison to other hominins. The morphology of the whole lower dentition (I1–M3) was investigated and described. The comparison with the species Ardipithecus kaddaba and Ardipithecus ramidus indicates a global homogeneity of root morphology in early hominins. This morphology, characterized notably by a reduction of the size and number of the roots of premolars, is a composite between an ape‐like morphology and the later hominin morphology. Trends for root evolution in hominins are proposed, including the transition from a basal hominoid to extant Homo sapiens. This study also illustrates the low association between the evolution of tooth root morphology and the evolution of crowns in hominins. Am J Phys Anthropol 153:116–123, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Neutrophil extracellular traps, damage‐associated molecular patterns, and cell death during sepsis
Authors: Iba Toshiaki , Murai Miwa , Nagaoka Isao , Tabe Yoko
Published: November 2013

In addition to pathogen‐associated molecular patterns from invasive microorganisms, alarmins, which are major components of host defense mechanisms, are involved in the pathophysiology of sepsis. In fact, the magnitude of the insult is defined according to the damage‐associated molecular pattern (DAMP), which is composed of alarmins as well as pathogen‐associated molecular patterns, such as those involving nucleosomes, histones, and DNA. Regarding the antimicrobial mechanism of neutrophils, an alternative non‐phagocytic mechanism was first recognized as “NETosis” in 2004. In this mechanism, microorganisms are trapped and eliminated by neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). These NETs are composed of histones and DNA that have been expelled from the nucleus as well as antimicrobial proteases, including elastase and myeloperoxidase. NETosis, a cell death pathway reported to be distinct from apoptosis, is an active area of research. As NETs are composed of deleterious substances, they are extremely harmful to the host cells once they are released into the circulating blood. Therefore, the meanings and putative roles of these components in sepsis have attracted much attention.
Energetic Salts Based on an Oxygen‐Containing Cation: 2,4‐Diamino‐1,3,5‐triazine‐6‐one
Authors: Liu Wei , Lin Qiu‐Han , Yang Yu‐Zhang , Zhang Xue‐Jiao , Li Yu‐Chuan , Lin Zhi‐Hui , Pang Si‐Ping
Published: November 2013

A family of energetic salts with high thermal stability and low impact sensitivity based on an oxygen‐containing cation, 2,4‐diamino‐1,3,5‐triazine‐6‐one, were synthesized and fully characterized by IR and multinuclear (1H, 13C) NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. Insights into their sensitivities towards impact, friction, and electrostatics were gained by submitting the materials to standard tests. The structures of 2,4‐diamino‐1,3,5‐triazine‐6‐one nitrate, 2,4‐diamino‐1,3,5‐triazine‐6‐one sulfate, 2,4‐diamino‐1,3,5‐triazine‐6‐one perchlorate, 2,4‐diamino‐1,3,5‐triazine‐6‐one 5‐nitrotetrazolate were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction; their densities are 1.691, 1.776, 1.854, and 1.636 g cm−3, respectively. Most of the salts decompose at temperatures over 180 °C; in particular, the salts 2,4‐diamino‐1,3,5‐triazine‐6‐one nitrate and 2,4‐diamino‐1,3,5‐triazine‐6‐one perchlorate, which decompose at 303.3 and 336.4 °C, respectively, are fairly stable. Furthermore, most of the salts exhibit excellent impact sensitivities (>40 J), friction sensitivities (>360 N), and are insensitive to electrostatics. The measured densities of these energetic salts range from 1.64 to 2.01 g cm−3. The detonation pressure values calculated for these salts range from 14.6 to 29.2 GPa, and the detonation velocities range from 6536 to 8275 m s−1; these values make the salts potential candidates for thermally stable and insensitive energetic materials.
Synthetic Chalcone Derivatives as Inhibitors of Cathepsins K and B, and Their Cytotoxic Evaluation
Authors: Ramalho Suelem Demuner , Bernades Aline , Demetrius Giulio , Noda‐Perez Caridad , Vieira Paulo Cezar , dos Santos Caio Yu , da Silva James Almada , de Moraes Manoel Odorico , Mousinho Kristiana Cerqueira
Published: November 2013

A series of chalcone derivatives, 1–15, were prepared by ClaisenSchmidt condensation and evaluated for their cytotoxicities on tumor cell lines and also against proteolytic enzymes such as cathepsins B and K. Of the compounds synthesized, (E)‐3‐(3,4‐dimethoxyphenyl)‐1‐phenylprop‐2‐en‐1‐one (12), (E)‐3‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐1‐phenylprop‐2‐en‐1‐one (13), (E)‐3‐(4‐methoxyphenyl)‐1‐phenylprop‐2‐en‐1‐one (14), and (E)‐3‐(4‐nitrophenyl)‐1‐phenylprop‐2‐en‐1‐one (15) showed significant cytotoxicities. The most effective compound was 15, which showed high cytotoxic activity with an IC50 value lower than 1 μg/ml, and no selectivity on the tumor cells evaluated. Substituents at C(4) of ring B were found to be essential for cytotoxicity. In addition, it was also demonstrated that some of these chalcones are moderate inhibitors of cathepsin K and have no activity against cathepsin B.
2H‐Pyran‐2‐one and 2H‐Furan‐2‐one Derivatives from the Plant Endophytic Fungus Pestalotiopsis fici
Authors: Liu Shuchun , Liu Xiangyu , Guo Liangdong , Che Yongsheng , Liu Ling
Published: November 2013

Two new α‐pyrones (=2H‐pyran‐2‐ones), ficipyrones A and B (1 and 2, resp.), and two new α‐furanones (=2H‐furan‐2‐ones), ficifuranones A and B (3 and 4, resp.), together with three known metabolites, antibiotic F 0368 (5), hydroxyseiridin (6), and hydroxyisoseiridin (7), were isolated from solid cultures of the plant endophytic fungus Pestalotiopsis fici. Their structures were elucidated primarily by NMR spectroscopy, and the absolute configuration of 1 was deduced from the circular‐dichroism (CD) data. Compound 1 showed antifungal activity against the plant pathogen Gibberella zeae (CGMCC 3.2873) with an IC50 value of 15.9 μM.
Secondary Metabolites from Pinus mugoTurra subsp. mugo Growing in the Majella National Park (Central Apennines, Italy)
Authors: Venditti Alessandro , Serrilli Anna Maria , Vittori Sauro , Papa Fabrizio , Maggi Filippo , Di Cecco Mirella , Ciaschetti Gianpiero , Bruno Maurizio , Rosselli Sergio , Bianco Amandodoriano
Published: November 2013

In this study, we examined the composition regarding secondary metabolites of P. mugo Turra ssp. mugo growing in the protected area of Majella National Park, which is the southernmost station of the habitat of this species. Both the nonpolar and polar fractions were considered. In particular, the essential‐oil composition showed a high variety of compounds, and 109 compounds were detected, and 101 were identified, among which abietane‐type compounds have a taxonomic relevance. Abietanes were also isolated from the polar fraction, together with an acylated flavonol and a remarkably high amount of shikimic acid.
Interactions of Platinum and Ruthenium Coordination Complexes with Pancreatic Phospholipase A2 and Phospholipids Investigated by MALDI TOF Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Kamčeva Tina , Radisavljević Maja , Vukićević Iva , Arnhold Jürgen , Petković Marijana
Published: November 2013

Phospholipase A2 is involved in propagation of inflammatory processes and carcinogenesis through its role in phospholipid metabolism, and release of arachidonic acid and lysophospholipids. Recent findings on correlation between elevated PLA2 activity and metastatic cancer render this enzyme an attractive target for cancer therapy. On the other hand, due to a broad range of oxidation states under physiological conditions and a high affinity for protein binding, platinum and ruthenium coordination complexes are promising candidates for PLA2 inhibitors. In this article, we discuss the interactions of Pt and Ru coordination complexes with PLA2 and phospholipids, as well as the application of MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry for screening PLA2 inhibitors. Owing to the ability of this technique to simultaneously detect and monitor changes in substrate and product concentrations, the inhibitor mechanisms of both Pt and Ru complexes with various ligands were determined.
Essential‐Oil Polymorphism in the ‘Resurrection Plant’ Myrothamnus moschatus and Associated Ethnobotanical Knowledge
Authors: Randrianarivo Emmanuel , Rasoanaivo Philippe , Nicoletti Marcello , Razafimahefa Solofoniaina , Lefebvre Manon , Papa Fabrizio , Vittori Sauro , Maggi Filippo
Published: November 2013

Gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy analysis (GC/MS) of essential oils obtained from populations of the resurrection plant Myrothamnus moschatus, growing in different areas of Madagascar, allowed identification of three main chemotypes in the species. The first one was provided by plants with a high content of trans‐pinocarveol and pinocarvone; the second one involved plants with high percentages of limonene, cis‐ and trans‐p‐mentha‐1(7),8‐dien‐2‐ol, and β‐selinene; and the third chemotype was characterized by plants with high levels of oxygenated sesquiterpenes such as caryophyllene oxide and α‐ and β‐isomers of caryophylla‐4(12),8(13)‐dien‐5‐ol. Chemical data were supported by chemometric technique as the principal component analysis. Furthermore, the relationship between the dioecy and phytochemistry within one population was also considered. Finally, correlations between chemical variations and ethnobotanical data were assessed.
Phytomorphological and Essential‐Oil Characterization in situ and ex situ of Wild Biotypes of Oregano Collected in the Campania Region (Southern Italy)
Authors: De Falco Enrica , Roscigno Graziana , Iodice Carmela , Senatore Felice
Published: November 2013

Oregano is an aromatic species of great interest, which spreads spontaneously over the Mediterranean area, but its genetic resources are not yet adequately developed. Moreover, the results of studies of wild strains of different origin – although quite numerous – are not always comparable, and, therefore, the influence of the environment and genotype on the variability cannot be distinguished. Hence, the plant morphology and the essential‐oil composition of three wild, white‐flowering biotypes of oregano collected in the Campania region (southern Italy) were characterized, and the effects of genotype and environment were assessed by comparison in situ and ex situ. This allowed deducing that the biotypes belonged to two different subspecies, i.e., Origanum vulgare ssp. virens and O. vulgare ssp. viridulum. The essential‐oil yield was higher for the biotype belonging to ssp. virens, and it was significantly correlated with the glandular and stomatal density. The chemical composition of the oils obtained by hydrodistillation was found to be influenced by the genotype and the conditions of plant growth.
Volatiles of Geranium purpureumVill. and Geranium phaeum L.: Chemotaxonomy of Balkan Geranium and Erodium Species (Geraniaceae)
Authors: Radulović Niko S. , Dekić Milan S.
Published: November 2013

The essential oils obtained by hydrodistillation of Geranium purpureum and G. phaeum were characterized by GC‐FID and GC/MS analyses (the former for the first time in general). In total, 154 constituents were identified, accounting for 89.0–95.8% of the detected GC peak areas. The investigated essential oils consisted mainly of fatty acids and fatty‐acid‐derived compounds (45.4–81.3%), with hexadecanoic acid and (E)‐phytol as the major components. The chemotaxonomic significance of the variations in the essential‐oil composition/production of the presently and previously investigated Geranium and highly related Erodium taxa from Serbia and Macedonia was assessed by multivariate statistical analyses. The main conclusions drawn from the high chemical similarity of the two genera, visible from the obtained dendrograms and biplots, confirm the close phylogenetic relationship between the investigated Geranium and Erodium taxa, i.e., that there is no great intergeneric oil‐composition variability. Changes in the composition and production of essential oils of the herein investigated taxa and 60 other randomly chosen species belonging to different plant genera were also statistically analyzed. The results put forward pro arguments for the oil‐yield–oil‐composition correlation hypothesis.
Growth and development in thanatophoric dysplasia – an update 25 years later
Authors: Nikkel Sarah M. , Major Nathalie , King W. James.
Published: November 2013

Key Clinical Message

Thanatophoric dysplasia is typically a neonatal lethal condition. However, for those rare individuals who do survive, there is the development of seizures, progression of craniocervical stenosis, ventilator dependence, and limitations in motor and cognitive abilities. Families must be made aware of these issues during the discussion of management plans.
Numerical Study of the Collision and Coalescence of Water Droplets in an Electric Field
Authors: Mohammadi Mehdi , Shahhosseini Shahrokh , Bayat Mahmoud
Published: November 2013

The coalescence of binary water droplets in oil exposed to an external electric field is simulated using a model including both electrostatic and hydrodynamic sections. Available mathematical models for electric dipole‐dipole force are presented in the first part of the model. Volume of Fluid approach is applied in the second part of the model. The simulation results were in good agreement with the published experimental observations. The results indicated that an improvement in electrocoalescence speed could be achieved. It was also revealed that the skew angle of the electric field, the oil viscosity, and the initial drops distance influence the electrocoalescence. Moreover, a correlation was developed to predict electrocoalescence kinetic as a function of the participant parameters.
Optimization a Gasoil Vacuum Dryer Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Narimani Elhameh , Alaei Kadijani Javad
Published: November 2013

A laboratory‐scale vacuum dryer with gasoil as feed was investigated based on response surface methodology (RSM). Dehydration efficiency and gasoil loss in this type of vacuum dryer are significantly affected by residence time, temperature, and pressure as independent variables, therefore, central composite face‐centered design of RSM with three levels of these variables was applied to design the experiments. Experimental data of dehydration efficiency and gasoil loss fitted well to the second‐order quadratic polynomials using a statistical software program and predictive models of dehydration efficiency and gasoil loss were obtained. An increase in temperature and residence time and a decrease in pressure could improve dehydration efficiency and gasoil loss. The estimated model of gasoil loss was minimized to reach a particular amount of dehydration efficiency.
A fast alternating direction implicit algorithm for geometric flow equations in biomolecular surface generation
Authors: Tian Wufeng , Zhao Shan
Published: November 2013

In this paper, a new alternating direction implicit (ADI) method is introduced to solve potential driven geometric flow PDEs for biomolecular surface generation. For such PDEs, an extra factor is usually added to stabilize the explicit time integration. However, two existing implicit ADI schemes are also based on the scaled form, which involves nonlinear cross derivative terms that have to be evaluated explicitly. This affects the stability and accuracy of these ADI schemes. To overcome these difficulties, we propose a new ADI algorithm based on the unscaled form so that cross derivatives are not involved. Central finite differences are employed to discretize the nonhomogenous diffusion process of the geometric flow. The proposed ADI algorithm is validated through benchmark examples with analytical solutions, reference solutions, or literature results. Moreover, quantitative indicators of a biomolecular surface, including surface area, surface‐enclosed volume, and solvation free energy, are analyzed for various proteins. The proposed ADI method is found to be unconditionally stable and more accurate than the existing ADI schemes in all tests. This enables the use of a large time increment in the steady state simulation so that the proposed ADI algorithm is very efficient for biomolecular surface generation. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Color appearance and color connotation models for unrelated colors
Authors: Koo Bonseok , Kwak Youngshin
Published: November 2013

The purpose of this research is to investigate the color appearance and color connotation of unrelated colors. To investigate color appearance (i.e., brightness, colorfulness, and hue) for unrelated colors, 22 observers have answered their color appearance for 50 unrelated color stimuli using the magnitude estimation method. Perceptual data obtained by the experiment is compared with the color attributes data estimated by unrelated‐color appearance models, CAM97u and CAM02u. It is found that both models perform reasonably well but the performance of CAM02u is better than that of CAM97u. For investigating color connotation for unrelated colors, 32 observers have judged their color connotation for the 50 unrelated color stimuli using the 10 color connotation scales (i.e., “Warm – Cool,” “Heavy – Light,” “Modern – Classical,” “Clean – Dirty,” “Active – Passive,” “Hard – Soft,” Tense – Relaxed,” “Fresh – Stale,” “Masculine – feminine,” and “like – Dislike”), and semantic differential method is used for measurement. It is found that the color connotation models developed for related colors perform poorly for unrelated colors. Experimental results indicate that brightness attribute is confusing to estimate and does not affect color connotation significantly for unrelated colors. Based on the psychophysical data, new models for “Warm‐Cool”, “Heavy‐Light”, “Active‐Passive” and “Hard‐Soft” were proposed using CAM02u hue, brightness, and colorfulness. Color connotations for unrelated colors are classified into three categories, which “Color solidity,” “Color heat,” and “Color purity.” © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 40, 40–49, 2015
Synthesis and Antimetastatic Effects of E‐Salignone Amide Derivatives
Authors: Wang Hong‐Ling , Qin Nan , Liu Jia , Jin Mei‐Na , Zhang Xiang , Jin Mei‐Hua , Kong Dexin , Jiang Shen‐De , Duan Hong‐Quan
Published: November 2013

Preclinical Research

The preparation of novel E‐salignone derivatives and their biological evaluation as potential antimetastatic agents is described. The E‐salignone amide derivatives were prepared from epiandrosterone and androsterone, and characterized by analytical 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and mass spectrometry. The derivatives were evaluated for antimetastatic activity in MDA‐MB‐231 cells by using a transwell assay. Comparing with the positive control, LY294002, compounds 19b, 19d, and 19e exhibited significant inhibitory effects on the EGF‐induced invasion of MB‐MDA‐231 cells. Moreover, compound 19b also had antimigration effects in wound‐healing assay. Compound 19b may represent a novel antimetastatic agent for treating breast cancer.