bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anesthetics isoflurane and desflurane differently affect mitochondrial function, learning, and memory
Authors: Zhang Yiying , Xu Zhipeng , Wang Hui , Dong Yuanlin , Shi Hai Ning , Culley Deborah J. , Crosby Gregory , Marcantonio Edward R. , Tanzi Rudolph E. , Xie Zhongcong
Published: January 2012

Objective:

There are approximately 8.5 million Alzheimer disease (AD) patients who need anesthesia and surgery care every year. The inhalation anesthetic isoflurane, but not desflurane, has been shown to induce caspase activation and apoptosis, which are part of AD neuropathogenesis, through the mitochondria‐dependent apoptosis pathway. However, the in vivo relevance, underlying mechanisms, and functional consequences of these findings remain largely to be determined.

Methods:

We therefore set out to assess the effects of isoflurane and desflurane on mitochondrial function, cytotoxicity, learning, and memory using flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, Western blot analysis, immunocytochemistry, and the fear conditioning test.

Results:

Here we show that isoflurane, but not desflurane, induces opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP), increase in levels of reactive oxygen species, reduction in levels of mitochondrial membrane potential and adenosine‐5′‐triphosphate, activation of caspase 3, and impairment of learning and memory in cultured cells, mouse hippocampus neurons, mouse hippocampus, and mice. Moreover, cyclosporine A, a blocker of mPTP opening, attenuates isoflurane‐induced mPTP opening, caspase 3 activation, and impairment of learning and memory. Finally, isoflurane may induce the opening of mPTP via increasing levels of reactive oxygen species.

Interpretation:

These findings suggest that desflurane could be a safer anesthetic for AD patients as compared to isoflurane, and elucidate the potential mitochondria‐associated underlying mechanisms, and therefore have implications for use of anesthetics in AD patients, pending human study confirmation. ANN NEUROL 2012;
Reprogramming the Genetic Code: From Triplet to Quadruplet Codes
Authors: Wang Kaihang , Schmied Wolfgang H. , Chin Jason W.
Published: January 2012

The genetic code of cells is near‐universally triplet, and since many ribosomal mutations are lethal, changing the cellular ribosome to read nontriplet codes is challenging. Herein we review work on the incorporation of unnatural amino acids into proteins in response to quadruplet codons, and the creation of an orthogonal translation system in the cell that uses an evolved orthogonal ribosome to efficiently direct the incorporation of unnatural amino acids in response to quadruplet codons. Using this system multiple distinct unnatural amino acids have been incorporated and used to genetically program emergent properties into recombinant proteins. Extension of approaches to incorporate multiple unnatural amino acids may allow the combinatorial biosynthesis of materials and therapeutics, and drive investigations into whether life with additional genetically encoded polymers can evolve to perform functions that natural biological systems cannot.
Chitosan‐graft‐poly(vinyl acetate) for hemodialysis applications
Authors: Radhakumary C. , Nair Prabha D. , Reghunadhan Nair C. P. , Mathew Suresh
Published: January 2012

Chitosan was graft copolymerized with vinyl acetate using ceric ammonium nitrate as the initiator. The chitosan‐g‐poly(vinyl acetate) (chitosan‐g‐PVAc) membranes were found to be blood compatible, noncytotoxic, and biodegradable. The physicochemical characterization of the membranes revealed that the membranes possess the synergistic effect of the natural‐synthetic hybrids of chitosan and PVAc with excellent mechanical stability and tunable hydrophilic/hydrophobic characteristics. The permeation characteristics of chitosan‐g‐PVAc membranes for four different solutes creatinine, urea, glucose, and albumin was studied in vitro at 37°C for assessment of the suitability of them as hemodialysis membranes. The studies showed that the membranes exhibit higher permeability to creatinine, urea, and glucose compared with the commercial cellulose membrane and are impermeable to the essential nutrient albumin. Hence, the need for the development of biocompatible, mechanically strong dialysis membranes could be addressed with the modification of chitosan through grafting with PVAc. Potential applications like artificial kidney, artificial pancreas, and so forth, are envisaged from these membranes. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Investigation of curing and thermal behavior of benzoxazine and lignin mixtures
Authors: Nour‐Eddine El Mansouri , Yuan Qiaolong , Huang Farong
Published: January 2012

This article describes the synthesis and characterization of two types of benzoxazine monomers based on phenol or bisphenol, aniline, and formaldehyde. Their characterization was achieved by Fourier transform infrared, 1H‐nuclear magnetic resonance, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Lignin polymer was characterized by infrared, DSC, and TGA. The curing behavior of mixtures of benzoxazine monomers and lignin was investigated by DSC. The mass ratios of benzoxazine monomers/lignin of a series of samples were 100 : 0, 95 : 05, 90 : 10, 85 : 15, 80 : 20, 75 : 25, and 70 : 30. The results indicate that the maximum curing temperatures of the mixtures were lower than that of the pure benzoxazine monomers, and that they decreased with increasing contents of lignin in the mixture. The heat of polymerization (ΔH) of the benzoxazine monomers and lignin mixtures as a function of the mass ratio and the structure of the benzoxazine monomers shows no definite trend. The samples were cured according to the following conditions: 170°C/2h + 200°C/2h and analyzed by DSC and TGA. In all the samples, the glass transition temperature of the benzoxazines increased upon mixing with increasing amounts of lignin. The changes may be due to the formation of a more compact network structure in the mixtures. The thermal stability of the isothermally cured resins is found to be dependent on the mass ratio of benzoxazine/lignin and structure of the benzoxazine monomers. The more lignin in the mixture, the higher is the char yield in the mixture. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Synthesis, characterization, and antimicrobial properties of new polystyrene‐bound Schiff bases and their some complexes
Authors: Nartop Dilek , Sarı Nurşen , Altundaş Aliye , Öğütcü Hatice
Published: January 2012

This study investigated the antimicrobial properties of polymer‐bound Schiff bases and their Cu(II) and Ni(II) complexes. Novel polystyrene oligomer‐bound Schiff bases (FMPS‐Sch) were prepared from (4‐formyl‐3‐methoxyphenoxymethyl)polystyrene (FMPS) with cycloalkylaminothiophene derivatives and their Cu(II) and Ni(II) complexes have been synthesized and characterized. All these substances have been examined for antibacterial activity against pathogenic strains; Bacillus cereus, Listeria monocytogenes, Pseudomonas putida, Escherichia coli,
Salmonella typhi H, Brucella abortus, Shigella
dysenteria type 10, Micrococcu.luteus and antifungal activity against Candida albicans. Most of the studied compounds were found effective against bacteria studied and yeast. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Preparation and properties of PET/SiO2 composite micro/nanofibers by a laser melt‐electrospinning system
Authors: Li Xiuyan , Liu Huichao , Wang Jiaona , Li Congju
Published: January 2012

Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET)/SiO2 composite micro/nanofibers were successfully prepared by a laser melt‐electrospinning system. The fibers with diameter ranging from 500 nm to 7 μm were obtained. The effect of laser current and applied voltage on the fibers morphologies was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the results showed that the relationship of process parameters and fibers diameter was complicated. The EDS analysis confirmed the presence of SiO2 in the PET fibers matrix. The crystallization behavior of the electrospun PET/SiO2 micro/nanofibers was investigated using X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and it was found that the as‐electrospun fibers exhibited an amorphous phase. After heat‐treatment at 120 and 160°C for 1 h, respectively, the fibers showed a high crystallinity. The thermal properties of fibers were studied using thermogravimetry‐differential thermal analysis (TG–DTA), and showed the electrospun PET/SiO2 composite fibers was not effective difference of thermostability compared with PET fibers when used for fibers materials. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Wettability and interfacial phenomena investigations on high‐density polyethylene and petroleum coke
Authors: Shahnaz Sharifah , Khanna Rita , Hussin Kamarudin , Sahajwalla Veena
Published: January 2012

An in‐depth wettability and interfacial phenomena investigation was carried out to study interactions between high density polyethylene (HDPE) and petroleum coke. The aim is to investigate the effect of temperature and contact times on possible interactions and adhesion characteristics for partially substituting coal‐tar pitch binder with waste polymers. Using a sessile drop arrangement, experimental assemblies consisting of ground HDPE and a petroleum coke substrate were heat treated in the temperature range of 150–350°C for 15–60 min. Contact angles between molten HDPE and petroleum coke surface and depth of penetration of HDPE into petroleum coke substrate were measured. The highest contact angle (131.5°) was observed at 250°C after 15 min. and lowest contact angle (30.9°) was observed at 350°C after 60 min. Highest penetration depth (75 μm) was observed at 350°C after 60 min and lowest penetration (13 μm) at 200°C after 15 min. Analysis of results showed that increasing time and temperature of heat treatment had a significant impact on the interactions of molten HDPE with petroleum coke. Longer residence time and higher temperatures increased the extent of melting of HDPE, which in turn resulted in improved wettability and deeper penetration into petroleum coke substrate. HDPE was found to bind and adhere strongly with petroleum coke. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Copolymerization of ethylene with α‐olefins over supported titanium–magnesium catalysts. I. Effect of polymerization duration on comonomer content and the molecular weight distribution of copolymers
Authors: Nikolaeva Marina I. , Matsko Mikhail A. , Mikenas Tatiana B. , Echevskaya Ludmila G. , Zakharov Vladimir A.
Published: January 2012

The data on the effect of polymerization duration on molecular weight (MW), molecular weight distribution (MWD), and content of α‐olefin were obtained for ethylene/1‐hexene copolymers produced on a supported titanium–magnesium catalyst (TMC) upon polymerization in the absence and presence of hydrogen. An increase in MW, narrowing of the MWD, and a decrease in 1‐hexene content in the copolymer takes place with increasing polymerization duration. It was shown by molecular weight fractionation of copolymers obtained at different polymerization duration followed by analysis of narrow fractions to determine the butyl branching content that the decrease comonomer content in copolymers with increasing polymerization duration is accounted for by the decrease in the share of low molecular weight fractions with an increased butyl branch content. These data, in combination with the data concerning the narrowing of the MWD of copolymers and the decrease in activity with polymerization duration allow arriving at conclusion that active sites producing low molecular weight polymer with an increased butyl branching content is predominantly deactivated with polymerization. Active sites producing high molecular weight polymer has a low ability to copolymerize ethylene with α‐olefins; however, these sites show higher stability during copolymerization. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
The Interactions of Spore‐Coat Morphogenetic Proteins Studied by Single‐Molecule Recognition Force Spectroscopy
Authors: Qiao Haiyan , Krajcikova Daniela , Liu Caisheng , Li Yongjun , Wang Hongda , Barak Imrich , Tang Jilin
Published: January 2012

Bacillus subtilis can form a spore, which is a dormant type of cell, when its external environment becomes unsuitable for vegetative growth. The spore is surrounded by a multilayered proteinaceous shell called a spore coat, which plays a crucial role in dormancy and germination. Of the over 70 proteins that form the spore coat, only a small subset of them affect its morphogenesis; they are referred to as morphogenetic proteins. How these morphogenetic proteins interact, and furthermore, how they build the ordered, functional coat layers is not well understood. Elucidating the self‐assembly mechanism of individual proteins into such a complex structure may contribute to its potential use in nano‐biotechnology applications for preparing highly organized, robust, and resistant proteinaceous layers. Herein, direct, noncovalent, low‐affinity interactions between the spore‐coat morphogenetic proteins SpoIVA, SpoVID, and SafA were studied by using single‐molecule recognition force spectroscopy in vitro for the first time. Based on the real‐time examination of interactions between these three proteins, a series of dynamic kinetic data were obtained. It was also observed that the SafA–SpoVID interaction was stronger than that of SafA–SpoIVA.
Advanced fluorescence technologies help to resolve long‐standing questions about microbial vitality
Authors: Roche Yann , Cao‐Hoang Lan , Perrier‐Cornet Jean‐Marie , Waché Yves
Published: January 2012

Advances in fundamental physical and optical principles applied to novel fluorescence methods are currently resulting in rapid progress in cell biology and physiology. Instrumentation devised in pioneering laboratories is becoming commercially available, and study findings are now becoming accessible. The first results have concerned mainly higher eukaryotic cells but many more developments can be expected, especially in microbiology. Until now, some important problems of cell physiology have been difficult to investigate due to interactions between probes and cells, excretion of probes from cells and the inability to make in situ observations deep within the cell, within tissues and structures. These technologies will enable microbiologists to address these topics. This Review aims at introducing the limits of current physiology evaluation techniques, the principles of new fluorescence technologies and examples of their use in this field of research for evaluating the physiological state of cells in model media, biofilms or tissue environments. Perspectives on new imaging technologies, such as super‐resolution imaging and non‐linear highly sensitive Raman microscopy, are also discussed. This review also serves as a reference to those wishing to explore how fluorescence technologies can be used to understand basic cell physiology in microbial systems.
Simultaneous analysis of mitotane and its main metabolites in human blood and urine samples by SPE‐HPLC technique
Authors: Mornar Ana , Sertić Miranda , Turk Nikša , Nigović Biljana , Koršić Mirko
Published: January 2012

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare malignancy with an incompletely understood pathogenesis and a poor prognosis. The adrenalytic activity of mitotane has made it the most important single drug in the treatment of ACC. Unfortunately, the exact mechanism of mitotane action is still unknown. It is believed that mitotane belongs to the class of drugs that require metabolic transformation by cytochrome P450 for therapeutic action; therefore determination of plasma levels of not only mitotane but also its metabolites would help in carrying out the treatment. The objective of this work was to develop and validate an SPE‐HPLC method for simultaneous determination of mitotane and its metabolites in different biological fluids. The sample preparation consisted of a solid‐phase extraction on a Discovery DSC18 cartridge, while analysis of extracts was performed on a Symmetry C18 column. The usefulness of the proposed method was confirmed by analysis of plasma, red cell and urine samples from patient chronically treated with 1.5 g of mitotane. The patient involved in this study had a high plasma concentration of mitotane and none of the investigated metabolites were found. In order to investigate whether the polymorphism of CYP2C9 and CYP2C19 enzymes could be related to the metabolism of mitotane, RT‐PCR analysis was performed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of aripiprazole in rat plasma and brain using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Liang Feng , Terry Alvin V. , Bartlett Michael G.
Published: January 2012

Aripiprazole is an important antipsychotic drug. A simple, sensitive and rapid ultra‐performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC‐ESI‐MS/MS) method was developed and validated for the simultaneous quantification of this compound in rat plasma and brain homogenate. The analyte was extracted from rat plasma and brain homogenate using a weak cation exchange mixed‐mode resin‐based solid phase extraction. The compound was separated on an Agilent Eclipse Plus C18 (2.1 × 50 mm, 1.8 µm) column using a mobile phase of (A) 0.1% formic acid aqueous and (B) acetonitrile with gradient elution. The analyte was detected in positive ion mode using multiple reaction monitoring. The method was validated and the specificity, linearity, limit of quantitation (LOQ), precision, accuracy, recoveries and stability were determined. The LOQ was 0.5 ng/mL for aripiprazole in plasma and 1.5 ng/g in brain tissue. The MS response was linear over the concentration range 0.5–100 ng/mL for aripiprazole in plasma and 1.5–300 ng/g in brain tissue. The precision and accuracy for intra‐day and inter‐day were better than 14%. The relative and absolute recoveries were above 72% and the matrix effects were low. This validated method was successfully used to quantify the rat plasma and brain tissue concentrations of the analyte following chronic treatment with aripiprazole. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A teaching–learning method based on CFD assisted with matlab programming for hydraulic machinery courses
Authors: Vicéns J. L. , Zamora B.
Published: January 2012

This article presents a teaching–learning methodology for the course “Hydropower and Ocean Power” in the Master of Renewable Energy Program at the Technical University of Cartagena (Spain). In line with the famous “Bologna Declaration,” a new teaching approach is proposed, in order to ensure that students acquire skills related to the ability of analyzing and designing Hydraulic Machinery. The roles of the tutor facilitator, as well as the use of freehand sketches and the Matlab programming to optimize the management of commercial CFD packages, are some specific features of the project.© 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 22:630–638, 2014; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/cae; DOI 10.1002/cae.21554
Supermolecular Chiral Mesogenic Tripedes
Authors: Belaissaoui Abdelhak , Saez Isabel M. , Cowling Stephen J. , Zeng Xiangbing , Goodby John W.
Published: January 2012

A novel series of chiral liquid crystalline tripedes Glucoside and Mannoside derivatives Gn and Mn (n=1–3) have been synthesised. The inner cores consist of methyl α‐D‐Glucoside G or methyl α‐D‐Mannoside M, regioselectively functionalised at the less hindered position C6, with tert‐butyldimethylsilyl (TBDMS), hydroxyl or carboxylic acid moieties. The cores, which can acquire several flexible conformations, are attached to rod‐like smectogenic‐preferring cyanobiphenyl units, by means of a flexible hexanoyl spacer. These Glyco‐Supermolecules exhibit chiral nematic (N*) and smectic A (SmA) phases. The combined effects of core chirality and functional groups on thermal and mesomorphic characteristics are discussed.
Synthesis and in vitro Antibacterial Activities of 5‐(2,3,4,5‐Tetrahydro‐1H‐chromeno[2,3‐d]pyrimidin‐5‐yl)pyrimidione Derivatives
Authors: Cheng Qingfang , Wang Qifa , Tan Ting , Wang Mingxiao , Chen Na
Published: January 2012

A series of novel 5‐(2,3,4,5‐tetrahydro‐1H‐chromeno[2,3‐d]pyrimidin‐5‐yl)pyrimidione derivatives have been synthesized from substituted salicylaldehydes and barbituric acid or 2‐thiobarbituric acid in water catalyzed by phase transfer catalysis of triethylbenzyl ammonium chloride (TEBA). Elemental analysis, IR, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR elucidated the structures of all the newly synthesized compounds. In vitro antimicrobial activities of synthesized compounds have been investigated against Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These newly synthesized derivatives exhibited significant in vitro antibacterial activity.
Electrochemical Study on the Interaction of Irinotecan with Calf Thymus Double Stranded DNA
Authors: Hajian Reza , Huat Tan Guan
Published: January 2012

Voltammetric behavior of Irinotecan (CPT‐11) was studied in a phosphate buffer (0.002 mol·L−1, pH 7.5) solution at the hanging mercury drop electrode (HMDE) using cyclic voltammetry (CV). CPT‐11 showed two irreversible cathodic peaks at −1.01 V and −1.09 V which involved two electrons and two protons in each reduction step. In addition, the interaction of Irinotecan with double‐stranded calf thymus DNA (ds‐DNA) was studied by CV at the HMDE employing an irreversible electrochemical equation. As a result of the reaction with ds‐DNA, the reduction peaks related to CPT‐11 were shifted in a negative direction and the peak currents were decreased. The diffusion coefficients of CPT‐11 in the absence (Df) and presence (Db) of ds‐DNA were calculated as 2.8×10−5 cm2·s−1 and 1.6×10−5 cm2·s−1 respectively. The binding constant (K=1.0×104 L·mol−1), and binding site size (s=0.60) of CPT‐11 interacting with ds‐DNA were obtained simultaneously by non‐linear fit analysis. The results demonstrate that the main interaction mode of CPT‐11 with ds‐DNA is electrostatic.
Efficient Synthesis of β‐Acetamido Ketones and Esters Using Aluminum Chloride as an Inexpensive and Green Catalyst
Authors: Mohammad Ali Zolfigol , Ardeshir Khazaei , Mohammad Mokhlesi , Abdolkarim Zare , Maliheh Safaiee , Fatemeh Derakhshan‐Panah , Hassan Keypour , Ahmad Ali Dehghani‐Firouzabadi , Maria Merajoddin
Published: January 2012

Aluminum chloride (AlCl3) efficiently catalyzes one‐pot multicomponent condensation of enolizable ketones or alkyl acetoacetates with aldehydes, acetonitrile and acetyl chloride to afford β‐acetamido ketone or ester derivatives in high to excellent yields and in relatively short reaction times. Moreover, by this synthetic method, some novel β‐acetamido ketones and esters (i.e. one complex structure) are prepared.
Theoretical Studies on the Hydrogen‐bonding and π‐Stacking Interactions in the m‐Nisoldipine Polymorphism Dimers
Authors: Zhu Min , Meng Lingpeng , Zheng Shijun , Wang Jing , Zeng Yanli
Published: January 2012

The intermolecular interactions in the dimers of m‐nisoldipine polymorphism were studied by B3LYP calculations and quantum theory of "atoms in molecules" (QTAIM) studies. Four geometries of dimers were obtained: dimer I (a‐dimer, O···HN), dimer II (b‐dimer, O···HN), dimer III (b‐dimer, π‐stacking‐c), and dimer IV (b‐dimer, π‐stacking‐p). The interaction energies of the four dimers are along the sequence of II>I>III>IV. The intermolecular distance of the interactions follows the order: I (O···HN)<II (O···HN), and III (π‐stacking)<IV (π‐stacking). Both the O···HN hydrogen‐bonding and π‐stacking interactions belong to weak non‐covalent interactions. The O···HN hydrogen‐bonding interactions with more electrostatic characters are stronger than the Π‐stacking interactions. The strength of the weak interactions decreases in the order: I>II>III>IV, and the electrostatic character decreases along the sequence: I>II>III>IV.
Formal system‐level design space exploration
Authors: Knorreck Daniel , Apvrille Ludovic , Pacalet Renaud
Published: January 2012

DIPLODOCUS is a UML profile intended for the modeling and the formal verification of real‐time and embedded applications commonly executed on complex Systems‐on‐Chip. DIPLODOCUS implements the Y‐chart approach, that is, application and HW architecture (e.g., CPUs, bus, memories) are first described independently and are subsequently related to each other in a mapping stage. Abstract tasks and communication primitives are therefore mapped onto platform elements like buses and CPUs. DIPLODOCUS endows all models with a formal semantics, thereby paving the way for formal proofs both before and after mapping. More concretely, application, architecture, and mapping models can be edited in TTool – an open‐source toolkit – using UML diagrams. Then, pre‐mapping or post‐mapping UML models may be automatically transformed into a LOTOS‐based representation. This specification is in turn amenable to model‐checking techniques to evaluate properties of the system, for example, safety, schedulability, and performance properties. A smart card system serves as case study to illustrate the formal verification capabilities of DIPLODOCUS. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Equation of State of Dense Plasma Mixtures: Application to the Sun Center
Authors: Pain J.C. , Dejonghe G. , Blenski T.
Published: January 2012

We present a self‐consistent approach to the modeling of dense plasma mixtures in local thermodynamic equi‐librium. In each electron configuration the nucleus is totally screened by electrons in a Wigner‐Seitz sphere (ion‐sphere model). Bound and free electrons are treated quantum‐mechanically. The assumption that all species should have the same electronic environment leads to the equality of the electronic pressure for all ions of all elements having therefore different cell volumes. The variation of the average atomic radii of the different elements with respect to temperature is investigated, and the procedure is applied to the determination of pressure in the Sun center (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Isentropic Compression of Deuterium by Quantum Molecular Dynamics
Authors: Chentsov A. V. , Levashov P. R.
Published: January 2012

In this work we present our calculations of the compression isentrope of deuterium. We use an ab initio molecular dynamics approach to compute pressure and internal energy of dense deuterium in the range of temperatures 293–25000 K and densities 0.9–4.3 g/cm3. We then restore the isentrope and compare the results with experimental data and other theories. The position of the calculated isentrope slightly depends on the initial point and agrees with the low‐pressure part and the highest‐pressure point of the measurements. However, we do not observe the density jump registered experimentally at P ≈ 130 GPa (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
3‐dimensional morphometric analysis of murine bladder development and dysmorphogenesis
Authors: Carpenter Ashley , Paulus Andrew , Robinson Melissa , Bates Carlton M. , Robinson Michael L. , Hains David , Kline David , McHugh Kirk M.
Published: January 2012

Background: Disorders of the urinary tract represent a major cause of morbidity and impaired quality of life. To better understand the morphological events responsible for normal urinary tract development, we performed 3‐D reconstructive analysis of developing mouse bladders in control, mgb−/−, and Fgfr2Mes−/− mice. Results: Detrusor smooth muscle differentiation initiated in the bladder dome and progressed caudally with the leading edge extending down the right posterior surface of the bladder. Gender‐specific differences in detrusor smooth muscle development were observed during early embryonic development. Bladder trigone morphology transitioned from an isosceles to equilateral triangle during development due to the preferential lengthening of the urethra to ureter distance. The primary defect observed in mgb−/− bladders was a significant reduction in detrusor smooth muscle differentiation throughout development. Deviations from normal trigone morphology correlated best with VUR development in Fgfr2Mes−/− mice, while alterations in intravesicular tunnel length did not. Conclusions: Multivariate morphometric analysis provides a powerful tool to quantify and assess urinary tract development. Developmental Dynamics 241:522–533, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Does the overvaluation of shape and weight predict initial symptom severity or treatment outcome among patients with binge eating disorder?
Authors: Ojserkis Rachel , Sysko Robyn , Goldfein Juli A. , Devlin Michael J.
Published: January 2012

Objective:

To examine whether overvaluation of shape and weight is associated with initial symptom severity or treatment outcome among patients with binge eating disorder (BED).

Method:

Patients with BED (n = 116) completed assessments at baseline and treatment termination, including the Eating Disorder Examination (EDE) and self‐report measures of eating‐related cognitions and behaviors, depression, and self‐esteem. Clinical overvaluation was determined by EDE.

Results:

The clinical overvaluation group demonstrated significantly higher pre‐treatment scores on measures of depression, behavioral and cognitive aspects of binge eating, and eating‐related psychopathology, and lower self‐esteem scores than individuals without overvaluation. At treatment termination, patients with overvaluation continued to display elevated scores on measures of binge eating severity at a trend level.

Discussion:

Overvaluation of shape and weight was associated with symptom severity in patients with BED, but additional research is needed to determine whether this construct holds clinically useful predictive validity for treatment outcome. © 2012 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2012)
Regiospecific analysis of TAGs using chromatography, MS, and chromatography‐MS
Authors: Kalo Paavo J. , Kemppinen Asmo
Published: January 2012

In last two decades, rapid development of analytical methods and their combinations have enabled powerful chromatographical resolution of the regioisomers of TAGs, and their reliable determination by MS using soft ionization methods. In this review article, the resolution of TAG regioisomers by chromatography alone using silver‐ion HPLC, reversed‐phase (RP)‐HPLC, and high‐resolution gas–liquid chromatography (GLC) will be presented. Further, the determination of regioisomers by MS solely, using negative ion chemical ionization tandem MS was reported. In addition, the determination of regioisomers by chromatography and MS using GLC and electron ionization (EI) MS, silver ion HPLC, and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) or ESI MS, RP‐HPLC APCI‐MS, and RP‐ and normal‐phase (NP)‐HPLC and ESI‐MS‐MS, are discussed. The use of several LC columns in series, or use of two‐dimensional chromatography has resulted in excellent resolution of the regioisomers of TAGs. The resolution of regioisomers prior to mass spectrometric determination is an essential analytic step, especially, when the composition and structure of short‐chain TAGs, which contain abundantly other isobaric TAG, are analyzed.
What is an “appropriate” migrant? Impact of the adoption of meritocratic worldviews by potential newcomers on their perceived ability to integrate into a Western society
Authors: Testé Benoît , Maisonneuve Christelle , Assilaméhou Yvette , Perrin Samantha
Published: January 2012

The acceptance of migrant populations and the definition of an “appropriate” migrant are controversial issues in many countries. The present research focuses on the ideological determinants of how newcomers are evaluated by a host population in a Western country with a strongly rooted meritocratic ideology. We carried out two studies to examine how the expression of meritocratic beliefs by a male potential migrant affects the way he is evaluated by the host population. We measured the host population's perception of the potential migrant's ability to integrate into society, his tendency to adopt the host country's culture, and the general desirability of his world vision for all newcomers. We also noted the host population's judgments of the target's agency and communality. The results showed that a potential newcomer who expresses a strong (vs. weak) belief in a just world (Study 1) or an internal (vs. external) locus of control (Study 2) is evaluated more favorably by the host population. In addition, judgments of the target's integration capacity were only mediated by his perceived agency. We discuss these results in the light of work on the meritocratic ideology and intercultural relations. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sex differences in analgesic response to ibuprofen are influenced by expectancy: A randomized, crossover, balanced placebo‐designed study
Authors: Butcher B.E. , Carmody J.J.
Published: January 2012

Aim

To determine whether there is a sex difference in placebo and ibuprofen analgesia expectancy.

Methods

We measured detection and tolerance thresholds for electrically induced pain in the ear lobe in healthy subjects (10 male, 10 female) to study sex differences in expectancy following either ibuprofen 800 mg or placebo in four different expectancy states. Subjects took ibuprofen or placebo in a two‐by‐two factorial design (the balanced placebo design). We randomly assigned subjects to start in one of the four expectancy states. We analysed the results using analysis of variance for repeated measures with baseline pain as a covariate.

Results and conclusion

We found no sex difference in baseline pain threshold or tolerance levels. When partitioned by sex and expectancy state, analgesia only occurred in males during positive expectancy states at 2, 3 and 4 h post‐placebo, and at 1 and 2 h post‐ibuprofen. The time course of analgesic action in males was as expected considering the pharmacokinetic profile of ibuprofen. Our study found that dosages of 800 mg of ibuprofen are ineffective in producing analgesia in women regardless of their expectations. We hypothesize that ibuprofen analgesia is produced by a combination of specific pharmacological effects and a non‐specific beta endorphin‐mediated placebo effect. Whatever the mechanism responsible for the analgesic response seen in males, this research re‐emphasizes the importance of psychological factors in determining drug response. It also shows that these factors can differ between men and women, and thus the contribution of psychological factors on analgesia needs to be seriously re‐evaluated.
Effects of transcranial direct current stimulation on pain perception and working memory
Authors: Mylius V. , Jung M. , Menzler K. , Haag A. , Khader P.H. , Oertel W.H. , Rosenow F. , Lefaucheur J.‐P.
Published: January 2012

Previous studies have shown that non‐invasive stimulation of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) could modulate experimentally induced pain and working memory (WM) in healthy subjects. However, the two aspects have never been assessed concomitantly. The present study was set up to investigate the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) of the DLPFC on thermal pain and WM in the same population of healthy volunteers. In a randomized and balanced order of different sessions separated by 1 week, 20 min of 2 mA anodal, cathodal or sham tDCS were applied to the left or right DLPFC in two separate experiments. Twelve healthy volunteers were enrolled for each stimulated hemisphere. Warm and cold detection thresholds, heat and cold pain thresholds as well as heat pain tolerance thresholds were measured before, during and following tDCS. WM was assessed by a 2‐back task applied once during cortical stimulation. Anodal tDCS of the right DLPFC led to an increase of tolerance to heat pain. The 2‐back task revealed fewer outliers during cathodal tDCS of the left DLPFC. The present data show an involvement of the DLPFC in the processing of pain and WM. There was no correlation between these findings, suggesting that the analgesic effects of cortical stimulation are not associated with cognitive processing. However, this conclusion is difficult to affirm because of some limitations of the study regarding the parameters of stimulation or a ceiling effect of the 2‐back task for instance.
Use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and risk of fracture: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Eom Chun-Sick , Lee Hyun-Ki , Ye Sungmin , Park Sang Min , Cho Kyung-Hwan
Published: January 2012

Previous studies have reported inconsistent findings regarding the association between the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and the risk of fracture. We identified relevant studies by searching three electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library) from their inception to October 20, 2010. Two evaluators independently extracted data. Because of heterogeneity, we used random-effects meta-analysis to obtain pooled estimates of effect. We identified 12 studies: seven case-control studies and five cohort studies. A meta-analysis of these 12 observational studies showed that the overall risk of fracture was higher among people using SSRIs (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 1.69, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.51–1.90, I2 = 89.9%). Subgroup analysis by adjusted number of key risk factors for osteoporotic fracture showed a greater increased fracture risk in those adjusted for fewer than four variables (adjusted OR = 1.83, 95% CI 1.57–2.13, I2 = 88.0%) than those adjusted for four or more variables (adjusted OR = 1.38, 95% CI 1.27–1.49, I2 = 46.1%). The pooled ORs anatomical site of fracture in the hip/femur, spine, and wrist/forearm were 2.06 (95% CI 1.84–2.30, I2 = 62.3%), 1.34 (95% CI 1.13–1.59, I2 = 48.5%), and 1.51 (95% CI 1.26–1.82, I2 = 76.6%), respectively. Subgroup analysis by exposure duration revealed that the strength of the association decreased with a longer window of SSRI administration before the index date. The risk of fracture was greater within 6 weeks before the index date (adjusted OR = 3.83, 95% CI 1.96–7.49, I2 = 41.5%) than 6 weeks or more (adjusted OR = 1.60, 95% CI 0.93–2.76, I2 = 63.1%). Fracture risk associated with SSRI use may have a significant clinical impact. Clinicians should carefully consider bone mineral density screening before prescribing SSRIs and proper management for high-risk populations. © 2012 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
An Efficient Microwave Assisted Eco‐friendly Synthesis of 6‐Chloro‐3‐(3‐arylacryloyl)‐2‐methyl‐4‐phenylquinolines and their Conversion to 6‐Chloro‐3‐(1‐phenyl‐5‐aryl‐4,5‐dihydro‐1H‐pyrazol‐ 3‐yl)‐2‐methyl‐4‐phenylquinolines
Authors: Sarveswari S. , Vijayakumar V.
Published: January 2012

An eco‐friendly basic alumina catalyzed protocol for the synthesis of some new quinolinyl chalcones has been developed by microwave assisted methods which in turn are converted to pyrazoline derivatives.
Rapid Sample Pretreatment, Identification and Determination of Active Constitutents in Water‐soluble Radix isatidis Extract via MAE, ESI‐MS and RODWs‐HPLC
Authors: Zhou Wei , Zhang Xiao‐Yan , Lv Yan‐Ping , Duan Geng‐Li
Published: January 2012

In this study, we successfully studied water‐soluble extract from Radix isatidis. Optimized conditions of MAE were listed, the sample can be extracted completely in 10 minutes under microwave power of 400W and solid/liquid ratio of 1:80. Active compounds in water‐soluble extract from R. isatidis were identified with HPLC‐DAD/ESI‐MS, these compounds followed by cytidine, uridine, guanosine, (R,S)‐goitrin and adenosine. RODWs–HPLC as a new sensitive chromatography were also first proposed and investigated, we favoringly used this method for simultaneous determination of these active constitutents in water‐soluble R. isatidis extract. Chromatographic separation was performed on a Diamonsil C18 column (5 μm, 150 mm × 4.6 mm) with a mobile phase gradient consisting of methanol and water at a flow‐rate of 1.0 mL/min, detection wavelengths 240, 250, 260 and 270 nm, the retention times of the tested five compounds were about 4.2, 5.8, 11.1, 14.2 and 20.8 min respectively, the limits of detection were 15, 12, 20, 5.8 and 24 ng/mL for cytidine, uridine, guanosine, (R,S)‐goitrin and adenosine respectively, their linear ranges were between 0.045 and 350 μg/mL with correlation coefficient (R) of 0.9998‐0.9999. The relative standard deviations (RSDs) of intra‐day and inter‐day assays were 0.30‐2.36% and 0.86‐2.54% respectively. Extraction recoveries were 94.25‐106.21%. This novel analytical method was shown to be simple, low‐cost, sensitive and reliable for multiple components in complex or undeveloped materials via MAE, ESI‐MS and RODWs‐HPLC.
Synthesis, Characterization and Oxide Ionic Conductivity of Binary β‐(Bi2O3)1‐x(Lu2O3)x System
Authors: Kalaycioglu Nilgun Ozpozan , Çırçır Esra
Published: January 2012

In this research, the effects of doping Lu2O3 to α‐Bi2O3 in the range of 0.01 < x < 0.10 in a series of different mole fractions (1% < n < 10% mole ratios) was studied. Beside, heat treatment was performed by applying a cascade temperature rise in the range of 700‐800 °C for 72 hours and new phases were obtained in the (Bi2O3)1‐x(Lu2O3)x system. After heat treatment for 72 hours at 800 °C; mixtures, containing 2‐8% mole Lu2O3, formed a tetragonal phase. As a result of subjecting mixtures, containing 9% and 10% mole Lu2O3, to a quenching process at 825 °C, tetragonal phases were obtained. With the help of XRD, the crystal systems and lattice parameters of the solid solutions were obtained and their characterization was carried out. Thermal measurements were made by using a simultaneous DTA/TG system. The total conductivity (σT) in the β‐Bi2O3 doped with Lu2O3 was measured using the four‐probe DC method.
Multi‐Dimensional Cobalt(II) and Nickel(II) Coordination Polymers
Authors: Hsu Shih‐Chen , Chiang Pei‐Shiuan , Liu Hsin‐Kuan , Lo Sheng‐Han , Lin Chia‐Her
Published: January 2012

A series of metal coordination polymers, [Co2(NB)4(bpp)2(H2O)]·H2O (1), [Co2(e,e‐trans‐chdc)(e,a‐cis‐chdc)(bpp)2] (2), [Ni(e,e‐trans‐chdc)(bpp)(H2O)2] (3), [Ni2(PDA)2(bpp)2(H2O)3]·H2O (4), and [Ni‐(mBDC)(bpp)] (5) (NB = 3‐nitrobenzoate anion; bpp = 4,4′‐trimethylene dipyridine; chdc = cyclohexane‐1,4‐dicarboxylate anion; PDA = 1,4‐phenylenediacetate anion; mBDC = 1,3‐benzene dicarboxylate anion), were synthesized from metal ions and organic mixed‐ligands by hydrothermal reactions. The single crystal structure analysis revealed that 1, 3, and 4 were 2D sheets with bilayer (1 and 4) and 2‐fold interpenetrated layers (3), 2 is a 3D binodal (4,5)‐connected framework, and 5 is a 1D chains. The non‐covalent interactions of H‐bonds and π–π stacking caused this conformation of highly cross‐linked networks. Compounds 1‐5 were further characterized by thermal gravimetric analysis, powder X‐ray diffraction, UV‐vis, infrared, and PL spectroscopy.
Barnacle bonding: Morphology of attachment of Xenobalanus globicipitis to its host Tursiops truncatus
Authors: Pugliese Mark C. , Böttger Stefanie Anne , Fish Frank E.
Published: January 2012

Xenobalanus globicipitis, a unique type of small pseudo‐stalked barnacle occurs on the appendages of cetaceans, including the common bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus. In this study, we examined attachment structures of X. globicipitis and modifications to the skin of T. truncatus in areas of attachment compared to skin nearby an attachment site. Barnacles and their six calcareous footplates were measured for their length and width. There was a positive correlation of barnacle width and length to footplate width and length. The thickness of the stratum corneum increased significantly in areas of attachment compared to skin nearby a footplate. The mitotic stratum germinativum at the base of the dermal papillae did not change significantly in areas of attachment compared to skin nearby a footplate. The stratum germinativum lining the lateral walls of the dermal papillae was significantly thicker in areas of skin nearby a footplate compared to in areas of attachment. Skin of T. truncatus nearby a footplate, displayed dermal papillae extending from the dermis and pointing roughly perpendicular to the epidermal stratum corneum. At sites of X. globicipitis attachment, the dermal papillae were forced to extend laterally, parallel to the stratum corneum, and the dermal papillae length to width ratio at an attachment site was significantly higher than on skin near an attachment site. Our results show that attachment of X. globicipitis through production of footplates organized into calcareous rings, leads to a thickened stratum corneum of the epidermis, a thinner lateral mitotic stratum germinativum and displaced structures of the upper dermis. These resulting modifications to the epidermis and dermis of the host may add to securing barnacle attachment to its host. J. Morphol., 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry‐based metabolomic to screen for anabolic practices in cattle: identification of 5α‐androst‐2‐en‐17‐one as new biomarker of 4‐androstenedione misuse
Authors: Anizan Sebastien , Bichon Emmanuelle , Duval Thibault , Monteau Fabrice , Cesbron Nora , Antignac Jean‐Philippe , Le Bizec Bruno
Published: January 2012

The use of anabolic steroids as growth promoters for meat‐producing animals is banned within the European Union. However, screening for the illegal use of natural steroid hormones still represents a difficult challenge because of the high interindividual and physiological variability of the endogenous concentration levels in animals. In this context, the development of untargeted profiling approaches for identifying new relevant biomarkers of exposure and/or effect has been emerging for a couple of years. The present study deals with an untargeted metabolomics approach on the basis of GC‐MS aiming to reveal potential biomarkers signing a fraudulent administration of 4‐androstenedione (AED), an anabolic androgenic steroid chosen as template. After a sample preparation based on microextraction by packed sorbent, urinary profiles of the free and deglucurono‐conjugates urinary metabolites were acquired by GC‐MS in the full‐scan acquisition mode. Data processing and chemometric procedures highlighted 125 ions, allowing discrimination between samples collected before and after an administration of 4‐AED. After a first evaluation of the signal robustness using additional and independent non‐compliant samples, 17 steroid‐like metabolites were pointed out as relevant candidate biomarkers. All these metabolites were then monitored using a targeted GC‐MS/MS method for an additional assessment of their capacity to be used as biomarkers. Finally, two steroids, namely 5α‐androstane‐3β,17α‐diol and 5α‐androst‐2‐en‐17‐one, were concluded to be compatible with such a definition and which could be finally usable for screening purpose of AED abuse in cattle. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.