bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Confocal laser scanning microscopy and ultrastructural study of VGLUT2 thalamic input to striatal projection neurons in rats
Authors: Lei Wanlong , Deng Yunping , Liu Bingbing , Mu Shuhua , Guley Natalie M. , Wong Ting , Reiner Anton
Published: October 2012

We examined thalamic input to striatum in rats using immunolabeling for the vesicular glutamate transporter (VGLUT2). Double immunofluorescence viewed with confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) revealed that VGLUT2+ terminals are distinct from VGLUT1+ terminals. CLSM of Phaseolus vulgaris‐leucoagglutinin (PHAL)‐labeled cortical or thalamic terminals revealed that VGLUT2 is rare in corticostriatal terminals but nearly always present in thalamostriatal terminals. Electron microscopy revealed that VGLUT2+ terminals made up 39.4% of excitatory terminals in striatum (with VGLUT1+ corticostriatal terminals constituting the rest), and 66.8% of VGLUT2+ terminals synapsed on spines and the remainder on dendrites. VGLUT2+ axospinous terminals had a mean diameter of 0.624 μm, while VGLUT2+ axodendritic terminals a mean diameter of 0.698 μm. In tissue in which we simultaneously immunolabeled thalamostriatal terminals for VGLUT2 and striatal neurons for D1 (with about half of spines immunolabeled for D1), 54.6% of VGLUT2+ terminals targeted D1+ spines (i.e., direct pathway striatal neurons), and 37.3% of D1+ spines received VGLUT2+ synaptic contacts. By contrast, 45.4% of VGLUT2+ terminals targeted D1‐negative spines (i.e., indirect pathway striatal neurons), and only 25.8% of D1‐negative spines received VGLUT2+ synaptic contacts. Similarly, among VGLUT2+ axodendritic synaptic terminals, 59.1% contacted D1+ dendrites, and 40.9% contacted D1‐negative dendrites. VGLUT2+ terminals on D1+ spines and dendrites tended to be slightly smaller than those on D1‐negative spines and dendrites. Thus, thalamostriatal terminals contact both direct and indirect pathway striatal neurons, with a slight preference for direct. These results are consistent with physiological studies indicating slightly different effects of thalamic input on the two types of striatal projection neurons. J. Comp. Neurol., 521:1354–1377, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Delayed amyloid plaque deposition and behavioral deficits in outcrossed AβPP/PS1 mice
Authors: Couch Brian A. , Kerrisk Meghan E. , Kaufman Adam C. , Nygaard Haakon B. , Strittmatter Stephen M. , Koleske Anthony J.
Published: October 2012

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative dementia characterized by amyloid plaque accumulation, synapse/dendrite loss, and cognitive impairment. Transgenic mice expressing mutant forms of amyloid‐β precursor protein (AβPP) and presenilin‐1 (PS1) recapitulate several aspects of this disease and provide a useful model system for studying elements of AD progression. AβPP/PS1 mice have been previously shown to exhibit behavioral deficits and amyloid plaque deposition between 4–9 months of age. We crossed AβPP/PS1 animals with mice of a mixed genetic background (C57BL/6 × 129/SvJ) and investigated the development of AD‐like features in the resulting outcrossed mice. The onset of memory‐based behavioral impairment is delayed considerably in outcrossed AβPP/PS1 mice relative to inbred mice on a C57BL/6 background. While inbred AβPP/PS1 mice develop deficits in radial‐arm water maze performance and novel object recognition as early as 8 months, outcrossed AβPP/PS1 mice do not display defects until 18 months. Within the forebrain, we find that inbred AβPP/PS1 mice have significantly higher amyloid plaque burden at 12 months than outcrossed AβPP/PS1 mice of the same age. Surprisingly, inbred AβPP/PS1 mice at 8 months have low plaque burden, suggesting that plaque burden alone cannot explain the accompanying behavioral deficits. Analysis of AβPP processing revealed that elevated levels of soluble Aβ correlate with the degree of behavioral impairment in both strains. Taken together, these findings suggest that animal behavior, amyloid plaque deposition, and AβPP processing are sensitive to genetic differences between mouse strains. J. Comp. Neurol., 521:1395–1408, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Phylogeny and expression divergence of metabotropic glutamate receptor genes in the brain of zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Haug Marion F. , Gesemann Matthias , Mueller Thomas , Neuhauss Stephan C.F.
Published: October 2012

Glutamate, the most abundant excitatory neurotransmitter of the central nervous system, modulates synaptic transmission and neuronal excitability via metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs). These receptors are essential components for diverse cognitive functions and they represent potential drug targets for the treatment of a number of neurological and psychiatric disorders. Here we describe the phylogenetic relation and mRNA distribution of zebrafish mGluRs. In comparison to the eight mglurs present in the mammalian genome, we identified 13 different mglur genes in the zebrafish genome. In situ hybridization experiments in zebrafish revealed widespread expression patterns for the different mglurs in the central nervous system, implicating their significance in diverse neuronal functions. Prominent mglur expression is found in the olfactory bulb, the optic tectum, the hypothalamus, the cerebellum, and the retina. We show that expression pattern of paralogs generated by the teleost‐specific whole genome duplication is overlapping in some brain regions but complementary in others, suggesting sub‐ and/or neofunctionalization in the latter. Group I mglurs are similarly expressed in brain areas of both larval and adult zebrafish, suggesting that their functions are comparable during these stages. J. Comp. Neurol. 521:1449–1469, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
DFT‐D Studies of Single Porphyrin Molecule on Doped Boron Silicon Surfaces
Authors: Boukari Khaoula , Sonnet Philippe , Duverger Eric
Published: October 2012

We present a theoretical study in the framework of density functional calculations, taking into account the van der Waals interactions (DFT‐D) of isolated Cu‐5,10,15,20‐tetrakis(3,5‐di‐tert‐butyl‐phenyl) porphyrin (Cu‐TBPP) molecules in a C2v conformation adsorbed on a Si(111)√3x√3R30°‐boron surface [denoted Si(111)‐B]. With this approach, we investigate interactions between perfect or boron‐defect Si(111)‐B substrates and the Cu‐TBPP molecule as well as the consequences of demetallation of Cu‐TBPP. For each model, we determine the structural equilibrium, the spatial charge‐density distribution and the electronic properties of the ground state. We conclude that there is potential for Si adatom capture by a porphyrin without strong modification of the porphyrin response, as seen from simulated scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) images.
Organization of myelin in the mouse somatosensory barrel cortex and the effects of sensory deprivation
Authors: Barrera Kyrstle , Chu Philip , Abramowitz Jason , Steger Robert , Ramos Raddy L. , Brumberg Joshua C.
Published: October 2012

In rodents, the barrel cortex is a specialized area within the somatosensory cortex that processes signals from the mystacial whiskers. We investigated the normal development of myelination in the barrel cortex of mice, as well as the effects of sensory deprivation on this pattern. Deprivation was achieved by trimming the whiskers on one side of the face every other day from birth. In control mice, myelin was not present until postnatal day 14 and did not show prominence until postnatal day 30; adult levels of myelination were reached by the end of the second postnatal month. Unbiased stereology was used to estimate axon density in the interbarrel septal region and barrel walls as well as the barrel centers. Myelin was significantly more concentrated in the interbarrel septa/barrel walls than in the barrel centers in both control and sensory‐deprived conditions. Sensory deprivation did not impact the onset of myelination but resulted in a significant decrease in myelinated axons in the barrel region and decreased the amount of myelin ensheathing each axon. Visualization of the oligodendrocyte nuclear marker Olig2 revealed a similar pattern of myelin as seen using histochemistry, but with no significant changes in Olig2+ nuclei following sensory deprivation. Consistent with the anatomical results showing less myelination, local field potentials revealed slower rise times following trimming. Our results suggest that myelination develops relatively late and can be influenced by sensory experience. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2013
WIS‐neuromath enables versatile high throughput analyses of neuronal processes
Authors: Rishal Ida , Golani Ofra , Rajman Marek , Costa Barbara , Ben‐Yaakov Keren , Schoenmann Zohar , Yaron Avraham , Basri Ronen , Fainzilber Mike , Galun Meirav
Published: October 2012

Automated analyses of neuronal morphology are important for quantifying connectivity and circuitry in vivo, as well as in high content imaging of primary neuron cultures. The currently available tools for quantification of neuronal morphology either are highly expensive commercial packages or cannot provide automated image quantifications at single cell resolution. Here, we describe a new software package called WIS‐NeuroMath, which fills this gap and provides solutions for automated measurement of neuronal processes in both in vivo and in vitro preparations. Diverse image types can be analyzed without any preprocessing, enabling automated and accurate detection of neurites followed by their quantification in a number of application modules. A cell morphology module detects cell bodies and attached neurites, providing information on neurite length, number of branches, cell body area, and other parameters for each cell. A neurite length module provides a solution for images lacking cell bodies, such as tissue sections. Finally, a ganglion explant module quantifies outgrowth by identifying neurites at different distances from the ganglion. Quantification of a diverse series of preparations with WIS‐NeuroMath provided data that were well matched with parallel analyses of the same preparations in established software packages such as MetaXpress or NeuronJ. The capabilities of WIS‐NeuroMath are demonstrated in a range of applications, including in dissociated and explant cultures and histological analyses on thin and whole‐mount sections. WIS‐NeuroMath is freely available to academic users, providing a versatile and cost‐effective range of solutions for quantifying neurite growth, branching, regeneration, or degeneration under different experimental paradigms. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2013
(Iminophosphorane)copper(I) Complexes as Highly Efficient Catalysts for 1,3‐Dipolar Cycloaddition of Azides with Terminal and 1‐Iodoalkynes in Water: One‐Pot Multi‐Component Reaction from Alkynes and in situ Generated Azides
Authors: García‐Álvarez Joaquín , Díez Josefina , Gimeno Jose , Suárez Francisco J. , Vincent Cristian
Published: October 2012

Treatment of water‐soluble phosphanes PTA (1) and DAPTA (2) with an equimolecular amount of azides (RO)2P(=S)N3 (R = Et, Ph) leads to high‐yield formation of the N‐thiophosphorylated iminophosphorane derivatives 3b and 4a,b, respectively. The reaction of these new iminophosphorane ligands with [Cu(NCCH3)4][PF6] (in a 2:1 molar ratio) has been investigated. The resulting (iminophosphorane)copper(I) complexes 5b and 6a,b are efficient catalysts for the three‐component cycloaddition reaction (organic halide, NaN3 and terminal alkynes) in aqueous media to afford regioselectively, under mild and aerobic conditions according to “click laws”, 1,4‐disubstituted triazoles with a broad substrate scope and functional compatibility. The unprecedented application of the analogous (iminophosphorane)copper(I) catalyst 5a to a one‐pot three‐component reaction with 1‐iodoalkynes as an internal alkyne in aqueous medium is also reported. ESI‐MS analysis of 5a in water and DFT theoretical calculations [B3LYP/6‐31G(d)] have been carried out providing valuable insight into the actual active species responsible for catalytic activity in water.
Reduced Graphene Oxide|Carbon Ceramic Electrode Modified with CdS‐Hemoglobin as a Sensitive Hydrogen Peroxide Biosensor
Authors: Mohammad‐Rezaei Rahim , Razmi Habib
Published: October 2012

A sensitive hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) biosensor was developed based on a reduced graphene oxide|carbon ceramic electrode (RGO|CCE) modified with cadmium sulfide‐hemoglobin (CdS‐Hb). The electron transfer kinetics of Hb were promoted due to the synergetic function of RGO and CdS nanoparticles. The transfer coefficient (α) and the heterogeneous electron transfer rate constant (ks) were calculated to be 0.54 and 2.6 s−1, respectively, indicating a great facilitation achieved in the electron transfer between Hb and the electrode surface. The biosensor showed a good linear response to the reduction of H2O2 over the concentration range of 2–240 µM with a detection limit of 0.24 µM (S/N=3) and a sensitivity of 1.056 µA µM−1 cm−2. The high surface coverage of the CdS‐Hb modified RGO|CCE (1.04×10−8 mol cm−2) and a smaller value of the apparent MichaelisMenten constant (0.24 mM) confirmed excellent loading of Hb and high affinity of the biosensor for hydrogen peroxide.
Immunoglobulin G4–related sclerosing disease of the paranasal sinus
Authors: Lindau Robert H. , Su Yungpo Bernard , Kobayashi Roger , Smith Russell B.
Published: October 2012

Background

Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)–related sclerosing disease is a systemic disease characterized by extensive IgG4‐positive plasma cells and T‐lymphocyte infiltration of various organs. We present a case of a 69‐year‐old man with maxillary sinus IgG4 sclerosing disease, with orbital invasion treated with rituximab and dexamethasone pulse therapy. Surgery was used as well to debulk the disease and to obtain tissue for diagnosis.

Methods

A PubMed search using the key phrase “IgG4‐related Sclerosing Disease” was performed. There were 304 different articles regarding the disease for a multitude of different organ sites. Of the 304 articles, there were 3 articles that reported this disease in the paranasal sinuses.

Conclusions

IgG4‐related sclerosing disease is a rare entity in the head and neck. There are documented reports of steroid therapy for this disease, but the patient presented here demonstrated clinical progression of disease with steroids alone. The use of combination therapy of surgery, dexamethasone, and rituximab provided clinical improvement and stable disease determined by radiographic means. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 35: E321–E324, 2013
Epstein–Barr virus‐induced epigenetic alterations following transient infection
Authors: Queen Krista J. , Shi Mingxia , Zhang Fangfang , Cvek Urska , Scott Rona S.
Published: October 2012

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is a known tumor virus associated with an increasing array of malignancies; however, the association of the virus with certain malignancies is often erratic. To determine EBV's contributions to tumorigenesis in a setting of incomplete association, a transient model of infection was established where a clonal CCL185 carcinoma cell line infected with recombinant EBV was allowed to lose viral genomes by withdrawal of selection pressure. Global gene expression comparing EBV‐negative, transiently infected clones to uninfected controls identified expression changes in more than 1,000 genes. Among downregulated genes, several genes known to be deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) methylated in cancer were identified including E‐cadherin and PYCARD. A cadherin switch, increased motility and enhanced cellular invasiveness present in EBV‐positive cells were retained after viral loss, indicating an epigenetic effect. Repression of PYCARD expression was a result of increased promoter CpG methylation, whereas loss of E‐cadherin expression after transient EBV infection did not correlate with increased DNA methylation of the E‐cadherin promoter. Rather, repression of E‐cadherin was consistent with the formation of a repressive chromatin state. Decreased histone 3 or 4 acetylation at the promoter and 5′ end of the E‐cadherin gene was observed in an EBV‐negative, transiently infected clone relative to the uninfected controls. These results suggest that EBV can stably alter gene expression in a heritable fashion in formerly infected cells, whereas its own contribution to the oncogenic process is masked.
Tobacco smoking and risk of multiple myeloma: A meta‐analysis of 40 observational studies
Authors: Psaltopoulou Theodora , Sergentanis Theodoros N. , Kanellias Nick , Kanavidis Prodromos , Terpos Evangelos , Dimopoulos Meletios A.
Published: October 2012

This meta‐analysis aims to quantitatively synthesize all available data on the association between tobacco smoking and multiple myeloma (MM) risk. Eligible studies were identified and pooled effect estimates (odds ratios and relative risks) were calculated regarding ever, current and former smoking. Separate analyses were performed on case–control and cohort studies, as well as on males and females. Meta‐regression analysis with percentage of males, mean age, years of smoking, pack‐years, cigarettes per day, years since quit and age at onset was performed. Forty articles were deemed eligible; of them 27 used a case–control design (4,625 cases and 21,591 controls) and 13 used a cohort design (2,228 incident cases among a total cohort size equal to 1,852,763 subjects). Ever smoking was not associated with MM risk (pooled effect estimate = 0.92, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.85–1.00); similar results were obtained for current (pooled effect estimate = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.74–1.03) and former smoking (pooled effect estimate = 1.04, 95% CI: 0.96–1.13). Regarding ever smoking, the null association was reproducible upon cohort studies (pooled effect estimate = 1.01, 95%CI: 0.89–1.15), whereas the inverse association in case–control studies (pooled effect estimate = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.78–0.96) was particularly due to the bias‐prone hospital‐based ones. Meta‐regression analysis did not yield statistically significant results. In conclusion, MM does not seem to be associated with tobacco smoking. There is a need to further explore how molecular mechanisms are involved in the resistance of MM progenitor cells toward smoking.
Mortality among offspring of women diagnosed with cancer: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Verkooijen Helena M. , Ang Joella X. , Liu Jenny , Czene Kamila , Salim Agus , Hartman Mikael
Published: October 2012

One in five cancers in women is diagnosed prior to and during a woman's fertile years. Our study evaluates mortality risks in offspring of mothers with history of cancer. From the Swedish Multi‐generation Register and the Cancer Register, we identified all 174,893 children whose mother had been diagnosed with cancer between 1958 and 2001. We categorized offspring into those born before (>1 year before), around (within 1 year before and after diagnosis) and after (>1 year after) their mother's cancer diagnosis and compared their risks of death (standardized mortality ratios, SMRs) and causes of death to the background population. Overall, offspring of mothers diagnosed with cancer had no increased mortality risk (SMR, 1.00; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.97–1.03). Increased mortality risks were found in offspring of mothers with tobacco‐related cancers (head and neck, thoracic and cervical) (SMR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.13–1.33), in children born around their mother's diagnosis (SMR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.25–2.13) and in children born after their mother's hematopoietic cancer diagnosis (SMR, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.10–3.35). Compared to the background population, children born around their mother's diagnosis were more likely to die of congenital and perinatal conditions. Overall, offspring of women diagnosed with cancer were not at increased risk of death, except for certain subgroups. Timing of pregnancy in relation to diagnosis and cancer site modifies mortality risks in the offspring.
Recurrent inactivating mutations of ARID2 in non‐small cell lung carcinoma
Authors: Manceau Gilles , Letouzé Eric , Guichard Cécile , Didelot Audrey , Cazes Aurelie , Corté Hélène , Fabre Elizabeth , Pallier Karine , Imbeaud Sandrine , Le Pimpec‐Barthes Françoise , Zucman‐Rossi Jessica , Laurent‐Puig Pierre , Blons Hélène
Published: October 2012

In eukaryotic cells, DNA is packaged into chromatin and this compact storage in the nucleus promotes transcriptional repression of genes. Chromatin remodeling complexes such as the SWI/SNF complex are involved in making DNA accessible to transcription factors and thereby are implicated in the regulation of gene expression. Mutations and altered expression of chromatin remodeling complex genes have been described in cancer cells. Indeed, non‐small cell lung cancer cell lines have been shown to harbor mutations in SMARCA4 (BRG1), a member of the SWI/SNF complex, but evidence has been less clear in primary tumors. Recently, inactivating mutations in AT‐rich interaction domain 2 (ARID2) were found in liver cancer related to HCV infection and in melanoma. Here, we explored, using a genome‐wide strategy and subsequent sequencing of targeted genes, whether chromatin remodeling is implicated in primary lung adenocarcinoma. Two genes were individualized from the genome screening as homozygously deleted in a set of samples: JARID2 and ARID2. Subsequent analysis of the entire coding sequences showed that ARID2 loss‐of‐function mutations were found in 5% of nonsmall cell lung cancers, thereby constituting one of the most frequently mutated genes in this cancer type after TP53, KRAS, EGFR, CDKN2A and STK11.
Combined effects of water temperature and nutrients concentration on periphyton respiration – implications of global change
Authors: Rosa João , Ferreira Verónica , Canhoto Cristina , Graça Manuel A. S.
Published: October 2012

With the increase in global mean surface temperature predicted for the near future, stream water temperature will also increase. Simultaneously, water quality is likely to decrease (e.g., due to increases in nutrient and pollutant concentrations). The objective of this study was to evaluate the individual and combined effects of increases in water temperature and nutrients concentration on periphyton respiration, as a surrogate for stream metabolism. Stones naturally colonized with periphyton in an unpolluted mountain stream in Central Portugal were sampled seasonally over a year, and incubated in the laboratory under two water temperatures (ambient and 4°C elevated) and two nutrients concentration levels (ambient and ∼6× higher inorganic dissolved nitrogen, ∼2× higher soluble reactive phosphorous concentrations). Overall, increases in water temperature stimulated periphyton respiration to a larger extent than did increases in nutrients concentration. In spring, the simultaneous increase in water temperature and nutrients concentration stimulated periphyton respiration beyond expected from the individual effect of each factor. These results indicate that synergistic interactions between factors might occur under certain environmental conditions, suggesting that care should be taken when predicting the combined effect of changes in multiple factors from their individual effects. The observed stimulation of periphyton respiration promoted by increased temperature and nutrients concentration can lead to changes in streams carbon budgets, with a positive feedback for global warming, as more CO2 might be released to the atmosphere.
In vivo genotoxicity and cytotoxicity assessment of a novel quinoxalinone with trichomonacide activity
Authors: Rivera Norma , Rojas Marcela , Zepeda Armando , Malagón Filiberto , Arán Vicente J. , Marrero‐Ponce Yovani , Rivera Ernesto , Fortoul Teresa I.
Published: October 2012

The compound VAM2‐6 (1‐methyl‐7‐nitro‐4‐(5‐(piperidin‐1‐yl)pentyl)‐3,4‐dihydroquinoxalin‐2(1H)‐one) has previously been shown to have an in vitro efficacy of 100% at a concentration of 100 µg ml–1 against Trichomonas vaginalis, a protozoon parasite that causes the sexually transmitted disease trichomoniasis. Because VAM2‐6 is a quinoxaline derivative and given the lack of studies on the genotoxic activity of this compound, the present study was undertaken to evaluate its ability to induce DNA damage in the peripheral blood of mice using single‐cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE or comet assay) and the micronucleus (MN) assay. Cell viability was assessed using a fluorochrome‐mediated viability test. The compound was tested on CD1 mice at 60, 40 and 10 mg kg–1 body weight administrated intraperitoneal (i.p.) in a single dose. Peripheral blood samples were collected 24 and 48 h after treatment. N‐Ethyl‐N‐nitrosourea (ENU) was used as a positive control for the comet and micronucleus assays. The results showed that i.p. VAM2‐6 induced single‐strand DNA breaks and increased the average number of micronuclei in the treated mice in a dose‐dependent manner at 60, 40 and 10 mg kg–1. Cell viability decreased at 24 h but recovered at 48 h for all three evaluated doses. Therefore, the chemical structure of VAM2‐6 should be modified to reduce its genotoxic potential. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Combined effects of metal contamination and temperature on the potworm Enchytraeus doerjesi (Oligochaeta)
Authors: Voua Otomo Patricks , Reinecke Sophie A. , Reinecke Adriaan J.
Published: October 2012

Cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn) toxicity in Enchytraeus doerjesi after 28‐day exposure experiments was studied at 15, 20, and 25 °C. Cd lethal concentration (LC)50 decreased with increasing temperature (293.01 mg kg–1 at 15 °C, 261.62 mg kg–1 at 20 °C, 231.79 mg kg–1 at 25 °C). In contrast, Zn LC50 increased with increasing temperature (420.21 mg kg–1 at 15 °C and 518.42 mg kg–1 at 20 °C). At 25 °C, a Zn LC50 could not be computed owing to the lack of sufficient adult mortality (LC50 > 640 mg kg–1). The reproductive output at 20 and 25 °C was similar for each metal. Cd EC50 for reproduction increased between 15 and 20 °C (from 23.93 to 35.11 mg kg–1) and decreased between 20 °C and 25 °C (to 16.84 mg/kg). Zn EC50 increased dramatically from 15 °C (41.47 mg kg–1) to 20 °C (111.75 mg kg–1), and then slightly from 20 °C to 25 °C (112.17 mg kg–1). This indicated that metal–temperature effects on E. doerjesi may vary depending on the endpoint. The deleterious effects of Cd on the survival of E. doerjesi increased steadily with increasing temperature. With regard to reproduction, Cd toxicity could be exacerbated by extreme temperatures (15 and 25 °C) although conflicting pressures between high temperature and Cd toxicity may have prevented higher reproduction beyond 20 °C. The effects of Zn toxicity on survival decreased consistently with increasing temperature. The marginal increase in Zn EC50 between 20 and 25 °C may explain the lack of a significant change in reproduction between the two temperatures. Energy redistribution between the below organism and higher organization endpoints in response to metal contamination may further explain these results. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How do leadership motives affect informal and formal leadership emergence?
Authors: Luria Gil , Berson Yair
Published: October 2012

To what extent and in what ways do leadership motives of potential leaders predict their informal and formal leadership assignments? To address these questions, we conducted two studies in a military setting. In the first study (n = 215), we examined a mediated‐moderation model in which we hypothesized that the motivation to lead (MTL) of candidates to an elite unit would predict their teamwork behaviors and their tendency to emerge as leaders of their peers. We further hypothesized that cognitive ability would interact with MTL to predict teamwork behaviors and that teamwork behaviors would mediate the relationship between this interaction and leadership emergence. In Study 2, we followed up 60 candidates who were selected to the unit and examined whether MTL would predict the extent to which they achieved formal leadership roles. The findings of Study 1 supported the hypotheses included in the moderated mediation model. In Study 2, as expected, MTL predicted formal leadership emergence. We discuss several theoretical implications of these findings. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of capsaicinoids in Capsicum species using ultra performance liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry
Authors: Alothman Zeid Abdullah , Wabaidur Saikh Mohammad , Khan Mohammad Rizwan , Ghafar Ayman Abdel , Habila Mohamed Abdelaty , Ahmed Yacine Badjah Hadj
Published: October 2012

In the present work, a rapid and sensitive ultra performance liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry method has been proposed for the analysis of capsaicinoids (nordihydrocapsaicin, capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, homocapsaicin, and homodihydrocapsaicin) present in different Capsicum samples. Extraction of capsaicinoids was carried out by liquid–liquid extraction using ethanol as an extracting solvent, while the chromatographic separation was achieved by reversed phase C18 column with gradient mobile phase (solvent A: acetonitrile and solvent B: water with 0.1% formic acid). Under the optimum experimental conditions, the linear ranges were 0.5–50 μg/g with correlation coefficient (r2) >0.999 for each capsaicinoids and detection limits were 0.15, 0.05, 0.06, 0.2, and 0.1 μg/g for nordihydrocapsaicin, capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, homocapsaicin, and homodihydrocapsaicin, respectively. Run‐to‐run and day‐to‐day precisions of the method with relative standard deviations <1.5% were achieved for all analyzed capsaicinoids. The robustness of the method was determined by utilizing different injection volumes of the extracts. Furthermore, to validate the system robustness, a run of high number of capsaicinoids present in different varieties of Capsicum samples was performed in this study. All the capsaicinoids were separated in a time of less than 9 min by employing the proposed method.
Groups, group actions and fields definable in first‐order topological structures
Authors: Wencel Roman
Published: October 2012

Given a group (G, ·), G⊆Mm, definable in a first‐order structure \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}$\mathcal {M}=(M,\ldots )$\end{document} equipped with a dimension function and a topology satisfying certain natural conditions, we find a large open definable subset V⊆G and define a new topology τ on G with which (G, ·) becomes a topological group. Moreover, τ restricted to V coincides with the topology of V inherited from Mm. Likewise we topologize transitive group actions and fields definable in \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}$\mathcal {M}$\end{document}. These results require a series of preparatory facts concerning dimension functions, some of which might be of independent interest.
Masked mycotoxins: A review
Authors: Berthiller Franz , Crews Colin , Dall'Asta Chiara , Saeger Sarah De , Haesaert Geert , Karlovsky Petr , Oswald Isabelle P. , Seefelder Walburga , Speijers Gerrit , Stroka Joerg
Published: October 2012

The aim of this review is to give a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge on plant metabolites of mycotoxins, also called masked mycotoxins. Mycotoxins are secondary fungal metabolites, toxic to human and animals. Toxigenic fungi often grow on edible plants, thus contaminating food and feed. Plants, as living organisms, can alter the chemical structure of mycotoxins as part of their defence against xenobiotics. The extractable conjugated or non‐extractable bound mycotoxins formed remain present in the plant tissue but are currently neither routinely screened for in food nor regulated by legislation, thus they may be considered masked. Fusarium mycotoxins (deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, fumonisins, nivalenol, fusarenon‐X, T‐2 toxin, HT‐2 toxin, fusaric acid) are prone to metabolisation or binding by plants, but transformation of other mycotoxins by plants (ochratoxin A, patulin, destruxins) has also been described. Toxicological data are scarce, but several studies highlight the potential threat to consumer safety from these substances. In particular, the possible hydrolysis of masked mycotoxins back to their toxic parents during mammalian digestion raises concerns. Dedicated chapters of this article address plant metabolism as well as the occurrence of masked mycotoxins in food, analytical aspects for their determination, toxicology and their impact on stakeholders.
Repeating blood cultures in neutropenic children with persistent fevers when the initial blood culture is negative
Authors: Rosenblum Jeremy , Lin Juan , Kim Mimi , Levy Adam S.
Published: October 2012

Background

Febrile neutropenia is a common reason for the hospitalization of pediatric oncology patients. The initiation of antibiotics and the overall decline in rates of bacteremia, would predict a low yield of detection of bacteremia in repeated blood cultures. Despite little evidence supporting the utility of serial cultures, repeat culturing with fever persists.

Procedure

To determine the rate of follow‐up blood culture growth when the initial blood culture showed no bacterial growth and patient risk factors for this occurrence, we reviewed the records of oncology patients admitted to the Children's Hospital at Montefiore Pediatric Hematology/Oncology service for febrile neutropenia from 2004 to 2009.

Results

We identified 457 febrile neutropenia episodes in 137 patients. The initial blood culture was positive in 84 episodes (18.4%). In 220 episodes comprising 105 patients, the initial blood culture was negative and a subsequent culture was obtained. In 24 episodes (10.9%), bacterial growth was detected in the repeat culture. Risk factors included a previous history of bacteremia and hospitalization for more than 48 hours prior to onset of fever.

Conclusions

In patients with febrile neutropenia, bacteremia is detected nearly twice as frequently in initial blood cultures than in repeat blood cultures obtained when the initial blood culture is negative. Despite an initial negative blood culture, bacteremia can be detected in more than 10% of episodes when a repeat blood culture is obtained. The risk more than doubles for patients with a previous history of bacteremia or hospitalized for more than 48 hours prior to the onset of fever. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013; 60: 923–927. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Luminescence characteristics of Sr1−xBaxSi2O2N2:Eu2+ phosphors for white light emitting diodes
Authors: Anoop G. , Cho I. H. , Suh D. W. , Yoo J. S.
Published: October 2012

Sr1−xBaxSi2O2N2:Eu2+ phosphors were synthesized using high temperature solid state reaction. The effect of Ba incorporation on the structural and luminescence characteristics of SrSi2O2N2:Eu2+ phosphors were studied. The phosphors were crystallized in triclinic crystal structure and the cell volume increases monotonically with Ba addition. The PL emission peak wavelength red shifts with Ba up to x = 0.50 beyond which no red shift is observed. The XPS analysis shows that nitrogen is being incorporated into the host lattice along with Ba addition up to x = 0.50. The as synthesized phosphors show high thermal stability. Phosphor converted light emitting diodes were realized using Sr1−xBaxSi2O2N2:Eu2+ phosphors (x = 0 and x = 0.40) showing luminance efficacies of 108 and 101 lm W−1.

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The CIE chromaticity coordinates of Sr1−xBaxSi2O2N2:Eu (x = 0 and x = 0.40) phosphors.
Spectroscopic investigation of charge injection process in the bulk‐heterojunction P3HT:PCBM solar cell
Authors: Kanemoto Katsuichi , Domoto Shinya , Ohta Yukihiro , Ogata Akihiko , Hashimoto Hideki
Published: October 2012

The effect of charge injection in solar cells is usually difficult to examine although it is expected to highly affect the solar cell operation. The effect of charge injection on the operation of bulk‐heterojunction (BHJ) solar cells made from blend films of poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and methanofullerene (PCBM) is studied using a spectroscopic technique combined with modulation of applied bias, termed a device modulation (DM) spectroscopic technique. The DM measurements enable selective detection of spectroscopic signals from injected P3HT polarons. The voltage dependent‐DM measurements in the dark condition reveal the starting point bias of charge injection (∼0 V) and the voltage‐dependence of the polaron density, directly from the spectroscopic signals. The frequency dependence of DM signals in the dark condition demonstrates that a bimolecular recombination process dominates the loss mechanism for the injected polarons (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Preparation of percolative quantum dot superlattice for printed light‐emitting devices
Authors: Toyama Toshihiko , Itatani Kazuki , Okamoto Hiroaki
Published: October 2012

Quantum dot superlattices (QDSLs) are attractive for artificial crystal applications, and QDSLs fabricated via solution‐based methods show excellent potential for printed electronics, particularly for large‐area optoelectronic devices such as flat‐panel light‐emitting devices (LEDs), lighting, and solar cells. In this paper, we propose percolative QDSLs (P‐QDSLs), where quantum dots (QDs) are randomly dispersed in a host material, and if the QD volume fraction exceeds the percolation threshold, then percolation paths form naturally via the QDs. The P‐QDSL is therefore a random QDSL involving configurational disorder. We demonstrate the formation of P‐QDSLs using ZnO/MgO core/shell QDs fabricated via a solution‐based method and give preliminary results for their application to the printed emission layer in LEDs (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Crystal growth and evaluation of scintillation properties of Eu and alkali‐metal co‐doped LiSrAlF6 single crystals for thermal neutron detector
Authors: Wakahara Shingo , Yanagida Takayuki , Yokota Yuui , Yamaji Akihiro , Pejchal Jan , Fujimoto Yutaka , Sugiyama Makoto , Kurosawa Shunsuke , Kawaguchi Noriaki , Fukuda Kentaro , Yoshikawa Akira
Published: October 2012

In recent work, Na co‐doping have found to improve the light output of Eu doped LiCaAlF6 (Eu:LiCAF) for thermal neutron scintillator. We grew Eu 2% and alkali metal 1% co‐doped LiSAF crystals by Micro‐Pulling down method to understand the effect of alkali metal co‐doping on scintillation properties and mechanism compared with LiCAF. In photo‐ and α‐ray induced radio‐luminescence spectra of the all grown crystals, the emissions from d‐f transition of Eu2+ were observed. Without relation to excitation source, decay times of co‐doped LiSAF were longer than Eu only doped one. The light yield of Na, K and Cs co‐doped LiSAF under 252Cf neutron excitation were improved. Especially, K co‐doped Eu:LiSAF reached 33200 ph/n, which outperformed Eu only doped one by approximately 20% (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Novel tellurite‐phosphate composite microstructured optical fibers for highly nonlinear applications
Authors: Tuan Tong Hoang , Asano Koji , Duan Zhongchao , Liao Meisong , Suzuki Takenobu , Ohishi Yasutake
Published: October 2012

We propose highly nonlinear composite microstructured optical fibers (CMOFs) which consist of the TeO2‐ZnO‐Li2O‐Bi2O3 (TZLB) tellurite glass core surrounded by a ring of 6 air holes. The fibers were fabricated by a conventional casting rod‐in‐tube method. The size of core and air holes could be con‐trolled easily by inflation pressure. The P2O5‐ZnO‐Na2O‐K2O (PZNK) phosphate glass with similar thermal properties of TZLB was used as a cladding material. Since PZNK glass has low refractive index of 1.511 at 1.54 µm, the refractive index difference between the core and cladding is as large as 0.49 which is favorable to tailor the chromatic dispersion of highly nonlinear optical fibers. To realize zero‐flattened chromatic dispersion, the structure parameters such as the tellurite core diameter, the air hole diameter and the distance between the two neighboring air holes were optimized. As it was shown that zero dispersion wavelengths could be shifted freely from the mid‐infrared region to the telecom window by numerical calculation, we confirmed that our tellurite‐phosphate CMOFs are promising candidates as dispersion tailored highly nonlinear fibers for optical signal processing applications (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Photoluminescence dynamics in CuCl thin films under high‐dense one‐ and two‐photon excitations
Authors: Ando Mitsutake , Uozumi Shin‐ichi , Katayama Ikufumi , Ichimiya Masayoshi , Ashida Masaaki , Takeda Jun
Published: October 2012

We have investigated photoluminescence (PL) dynamics in CuCl thin films under high‐density one‐ and two‐photon excitations for excitonic states. Using the optical Kerr gate method, the formation and decay processes of biexctions were observed, and the time‐dependent effective temperature was evaluated. We also observed the SHG signals for the excitation laser pulses under the two‐photon excitation. However, we could not observe the PL band due to exciton‐exciton scattering processes (so‐called P emission) under any experimental conditions because of the high thermal stability of biexcitons in CuCl thin films (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Wideband near‐infrared LED with over 1 mW power by stacked InAs quantum dots/GaAs
Authors: Fuchi Shingo , Tani Kazuma , Arai Takanori , Kamiyama Satoshi , Takeda Yoshikazu
Published: October 2012

We have fabricated stacked InAs quantum dots (QDs)/GaAs LED for a wideband near‐infrared light source. The 15‐stacked InAs QDs/GaAs structure and the indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode were used for the LED. Good current‐voltage characteristics were achieved. The built‐in voltage was 1.0 V. Gaussian‐shape luminescence with a central wavelength of 1144 nm and a full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 99 nm was observed. We achieved a maximum output power of 2.9 mW. These LED properties should be suitable for practical applications. The transmission image of a finger was taken by using the 15‐stacked InAs QDs/GaAs LED and the InGaAs camera without special optical settings or the image processing. As a result, the blood vessel under the skin was observed. These results indicate that the 15‐stacked InAs QDs/GaAs LED can be equipped with practical measuring instruments (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Atomically smooth and single crystalline indium tin oxide thin film with low optical loss
Authors: Yasuhara Ryuichiro , Murai Shunsuke , Fujita Koji , Tanaka Katsuhisa
Published: October 2012

We have fabricated a highly crystalline thin film of indium tin oxide (ITO) to examine the relationship between properties of charge carriers and their collective plasmonic response. The ITO thin film with atomically flat surface was epitaxially grown on a yittria‐stabilized zirconia substrate by using pulsed laser deposition. Attenuated total reflectance spectra for the infrared (IR) region in the Otto configuration show a dip for p ‐polarized light, corresponding to an excitation of surface plasmon polaritons. The IR reflectivity data can be well reproduced by the theoretical calculation based on the Fresnel model, in which the dielectric function of ITO is deduced from the Drude theory using the carrier density and mobility obtained by Hall measurement. The high carrier mobility in single crystalline ITO thin film is found to result in a significantly low optical loss in the IR region (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Nonlinear optical constants of ionic conductors: a study based on the Sheik‐Bahae equation
Authors: Ikeda Shosuke , Aniya Masaru
Published: October 2012

Guided by the prediction of the bond fluctuation model of superionic conductors, the relation between the nonlinear optical constants and the ion transport properties in ionic conductors has been studied. Since the measured values of nonlinear optical constants in ionic conductors are very limited, they have been evaluated through the Sheik‐Bahae equation. Using such values, it is shown that the activation energy of ion transport and the superionic transition temperature decrease with the increase of the nonlinear refractive index. It is also pointed out that the band gap energy and the linear refractive index in superionic conductors are relatively weakly correlated when compared with non‐superionic materials. The development of a new field of study that could be called photoionics is suggested (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effects of higher wave harmonics on the response of monopile type offshore wind turbines
Authors: Soyoz Serdar , Aydin Can
Published: October 2012

Offshore wind turbines (OWTs) are exposed to vibration‐induced forces throughout their operational lives that may cause a catastrophic failure unless resonance is avoided by proper stiffness design. The standard design procedure for the OWTs is such that the first structural frequency should be far away from the first wave frequency to eliminate resonance. In this study, a three‐bladed 5 MW monopile type OWT was first designed according to guidelines at a site located south of Massachusetts with a water depth of 25 m. Then, the effects of the higher wave harmonics on dynamic response of OWTs were investigated. Along this line, different combinations of structural and wave frequencies were considered, and it was found out that overturning moment, which is the most important design parameter, may increase as much as 45% as a result resonance of structure with higher wave harmonics (i.e., the second and third harmonics). Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Complex Salts of Lanthanide(III) Nitrates from Di­pyridylamine: Preparation, Structural, and Thermoanalytical ­Investigation
Authors: Papadopoulos Christos D. , Skoulika Stavroula , Hatzidimitriou Antonios G. , Lalia‐Kantouri Maria
Published: October 2012

The reaction of a lanthanide(III) nitrate (Ln = Pr, Nd) with the base 2, 2′‐dipyridylamine (dpamH) afforded two very stable microcrystalline compounds. These compounds were characterized as complex salts with the general formula [Ln(NO3)6]·3[dpamH‐H+]·H2O, where the dpamH ligand is not coordinated, but exists in its protonated form serving as counterion (dipyridylammonium cation), as it was revealed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies. Each one of the nitrate ions is coordinated, however, in a bidentate manner with the lanthanide(III) ion, which obtains coordination number twelve. All organic dpamH‐H+ cations are arranged in two columns parallel to the a axis of the cell forming pairs of almost parallel cationic molecules at a distance of about 3.5 Å. Inside each pair the molecules interact by strong π–π interactions. The water molecules, arranged between the inorganic anions [Ln(NO3)6]3–, bridge them by strong hydrogen bonds, involving the water proton and one nitrate oxygen. The lattice can be described as made from successive organic and inorganic alternating parallel columns interacting between them with strong hydrogen bonds. The thermal stability and decomposition mode of the two lanthanide compounds were studied by the simultaneous TG/DTG‐DTA technique and compared with the starting hexahydrate lanthanide(III) salts and the dipyridylamine.
Synthesis, Structures, Luminescent and Magnetic Properties of Heterometallic 5p‐4f Compounds with Ethylenediaminetetra­acetate
Authors: Shen Juan , Jin Bo , Jiang Qi‐Ying , Zhong Guo‐Qing , Hu Ya‐Min , Huo Ji‐Chuan
Published: October 2012

A series of heterometallic LnIII–SbIII edta‐containing compounds with the formulas [Sb2(edta)2Ln]NO3·nH2O [edta = ethylenediaminetetraacetate; Ln = Eu, n = 7 (1); Gd, n = 7.5 (2) and Tb, n = 8 (3)] were synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses (EA), powder X‐ray diffraction (PXDP), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), and thermogravimetric analyses (TGA). Their fluorescence and magnetic properties were also studied. The thermal analysis demonstrates the compounds formation of the antimony, lanthanide ions, and edta4– ligands. FT‐IR spectra reveal that the antimony and lanthanide ions are connected through the carboxylate bridges. The studies of luminescence properties show that compounds 1 and 3 exhibit typical luminescence in the visible region. Furthermore, magnetic properties reveal compounds 2 and 3 have weak ferromagnetic behavior.