bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Are integrated HIV services less stigmatizing than stand‐alone models of care? A comparative case study from Swaziland
Authors: Church Kathryn , Wringe Alison , Fakudze Phelele , Kikuvi Joshua , Simelane Dudu , Mayhew Susannah H ,   The Integra Initiative
Published: January 2013

Introduction

Integrating HIV with primary health services has the potential to reduce HIV‐related stigma through delivering care in settings disassociated with HIV. This study investigated the relationship between integrated care and felt stigma. The study design was a comparative case study of four models of HIV care in Swaziland, ranging from fully integrated to fully stand‐alone HIV care.

Methods

An exit survey (N=602) measured differences in felt stigma across model of care; the primary outcome “perception of HIV status exposure through clinic attendance” was analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. In‐depth interviews (N=22) explored whether and how measured differences in stigma experiences were related to service integration.

Results

There were significant differences in perceived status exposure across models of care. After adjustment for potential confounding between sites, those at a partially integrated site and a partially stand‐alone site had greater odds of perceived status exposure than those at the fully stand‐alone site (aOR 3.33, 95% CI 1.98–5.60; and aOR 11.84, 95% CI 6.89–20.36, respectively). There was no difference between the fully stand‐alone and the fully integrated clinic. Qualitative data suggested that many clients at HIV‐only sites felt greater confidentiality knowing that those around them were positive, and support was gained from other HIV care clients. Confidentiality was maintained in various ways, even in stand‐alone sites, through separate waiting areas for HIV testing and HIV treatment, and careful clinic and room labelling.

Conclusions

The relationship between model of care and stigma was complex, and the hypothesis that stigma is higher at stand‐alone sites did not hold true in this high prevalence setting. Policy‐makers should ensure that service integration does not increase stigma, in particular within partially integrated models of care.
La representación de las identidades juveniles en el audiovisual comunitario
Authors:   Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (Brasil), DÜRR MISSAU LUCAS , MAYORA RONSINI VENEZA ,   Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (Brasil)
Published: January 2013

El presente trabajo tiene como objeto de estudio la representación de identidades juveniles en el audiovisual producido por jóvenes de clase popular. Se trata de estudiar la construcción de identidades, a través del consumo de bienes materiales y simbólicos, en el proceso de producción de obras audiovisuales realizadas por jóvenes en talleres de producción de video, impartidos por TV OVO, en Santa Maria-RS. El objetivo principal es investigar la representación de estos bienes en el proceso de producción de videos que realizan los jóvenes. Para comprender cómo se representan estas identidades, se realizó un estudio etnográfico en TV OVO. A partir de la descripción de las rutinas, notamos que la mayor parte del tiempo y la motivación de los jóvenes se dedica a la audiencia o en la realización de audiovisuales. Las identidades se delinean de los productos de los medios
Televisión digital terrestre en Brasil: oportunidades perdidas
Authors:   Instituto Brasileiro de Informação em Ciência e Tecnologia (Brasil), TAVEIRA CABRAL EULA DANTAS , CABRAL FILHO ADILSON VAZ ,   Universidade Federal Fluminense (Brasil)
Published: January 2013

El artículo analiza la implementación de la TV Digital Terrestre en el país, a partir de la relación entre el Estado y el Mercado y las demandas de la sociedad civil, enfatizando los incentivos para la investigación en los campos científico, tecnológico y de innovación, así como la implementación de la digitalización de la TV por parte de actores privados. . A través de la investigación bibliográfica y documental, se llegó a las siguientes conclusiones: el gobierno brasileño está comprometido con el interés de los radiodifusores tradicionales al asignar bandas adicionales a los concesionarios del servicio de radiodifusión, por ejemplo; La implantación de la TV Digital en el país corre el riesgo de ser infrautilizada si las inversiones de mercado se dirigen únicamente a mejorar la imagen y el acceso a múltiples plataformas, en detrimento de la expansión de nuevos actores en el sistema, ya sean productores o incluso programadores
Contenidos móviles para la comunicación de servicio 2.0 a partir de las redes sociales
Authors:   Universitat Jaume I (España), GONZÁLEZ MOLINA SONIA
Published: January 2013

La convergencia entre dispositivos y contenidos móviles con las redes sociales está ampliando los límites del periodismo de servicio gracias a características como la ubicuidad, la personalización y la participación de los usuarios. Este artículo explora las posibilidades de este tipo de contenidos aplicados a la especialización periodística antes citada, ya que sus rasgos lo hacen especialmente idóneo para un consumo móvil. A partir de un análisis del contenido de 401 mensajes de Twitter enviados durante el incendio que asoló este verano el Empordà (localidad de Catalunya, España) por parte de dos de las instituciones más directamente relacionadas con su extinción (Bomberos y Emergencias), se concluye que la posibilidad de consumir los mensajes en cualquier momento y lugar aumenta la utilidad informativa de este tipo de contenidos. Con todo, queda margen para la mejora en relación a los recursos con los que se enriquecen estos mensajes y la interactividad con los usuarios.
Electrophysiology Tool Construction
Authors: Ide David
Published: January 2013

This protocol documents the construction of a custom microscope stage system currently in widespread use by a wide variety of investigators. The current design and construction of this stage is the result of multiple iterations, integrating input from a number of electrophysiologists working with a variety of preparations. Thus, this tool is a generally applicable solution, suitable for a wide array of end‐user requirements; its flexible design facilitates rapid and easy configuration, making it useful for multi‐user microscopes, as individual researchers can reconfigure the stage system or have their own readily replaceable stage plates. Furthermore, the stage can be manufactured using equipment typically found in small research machine shops, and by keeping the various parts on hand, machinists can quickly satisfy new requests and/or modifications for a wide variety of applications. Curr. Protoc. Neurosci. 62:6.26.1‐6.26.11. © 2013 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Blast Traumatic Brain Injury in the Rat Using a Blast Overpressure Model
Authors: Yarnell Angela M. , Shaughness Michael C. , Barry Erin S. , Ahlers Stephen T. , McCarron Richard M. , Grunberg Neil E.
Published: January 2013

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious health concern for civilians and military populations, and blast‐induced TBI (bTBI) has become an increasing problem for military personnel over the past 10 years. To understand the biological and psychological effects of blast‐induced injuries and to examine potential interventions that may help to prevent, attenuate, and treat effects of bTBI, it is valuable to conduct controlled animal experiments. This unit discusses available paradigms to model traumatic brain injury in animals, with an emphasis on the relevance of these various models to study blast‐induced traumatic brain injury (bTBI). This paper describes the detailed methods of a blast overpressure (BOP) paradigm that has been used to conduct experiments with rats to model blast exposure. This particular paradigm models the pressure wave created by explosions, including improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Curr. Protoc. Neurosci. 62:9.41.1‐9.41.14. © 2013 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Overview of Admixture Mapping
Authors: Shriner Daniel
Published: January 2013

Admixture mapping is a powerful method of gene mapping for diseases or traits that show differential risk by ancestry. Admixture mapping has been applied most often to African Americans who trace ancestry to Europeans and West Africans. Recent developments in admixture mapping include improvements in methods to take advantage of higher densities of genetic variants, as well as extensions to admixed populations with three or more ancestral populations, such as Latino Americans. In this unit, the author outlines the key concepts of admixture mapping. The author describes several approaches for inferring local ancestry and provides strategies for performing admixture mapping depending on the study design. Finally, the author compares and contrasts linkage analysis, association analysis, and admixture mapping, with an emphasis on integrating admixture mapping and association testing. Curr. Protoc. Hum. Genet. 76:1.23.1‐1.23.8. © 2013 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Highly Ordered Helical Nanofilament Assembly Aligned by a Nematic Director Field
Authors: Araoka Fumito , Sugiyama Go , Ishikawa Ken , Takezoe Hideo
Published: January 2013

Successful alignment control of the B4 helical nanofilament assembly in a binary mixture system of bent‐shaped and rod‐shaped liquid crystals is demonstrated. The aligned nanofilament domains appear as extremely smooth and uniform stripes over millimeters. The interferometric second‐harmonic generation microscopy technique is developed and applied to these aligned domains. It is found that not only chirality, but also polarity, are preserved in a single domain formed from a single nucleus. Such an easily processed uniform bulk of the spontaneously symmetry‐broken material is intriguing in functional materials science.
Maternal Effects on Offspring Mortality in Rhesus Macaques (Macaca mulatta)
Authors: BLOMQUIST GREGORY E.
Published: January 2013

The genetics of primate life histories are poorly understood, but quantitative genetic patterns in other mammals suggest phenotypic differences among individuals early in life can be strongly affected by interactions with mothers or other caretakers. I used generalized linear mixed model extensions of complex pedigree quantitative genetic techniques to explore regression coefficients and variance components for infant and juvenile mortality rates across prereproductive age classes in the semifree ranging Cayo Santiago rhesus macaques. Using a large set of records (maximum n = 977 mothers, 6,240 offspring), strong maternal effects can be identified early in development but they rapidly “burn off” as offspring age and mothers become less consistent buffers from increasingly prominent environmental variation. The different ways behavioral ecologists and animal breeders have defined and studied maternal effects can be subsumed, and even blended, within the quantitative genetic framework. Regression coefficients identify loss of the mother, maternal age, and offspring age within their birth cohort as having significant maternal effects on offspring mortality, while variance components for maternal identity record significant maternal influence in the first month of life. Am. J. Primatol. 75:238‐251, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nanoindentation in Crystal Engineering: Quantifying Mechanical Properties of Molecular Crystals
Authors: Varughese Sunil , Kiran M. S. R. N. , Ramamurty Upadrasta , Desiraju Gautam R.
Published: January 2013

Nanoindentation is a technique for measuring the elastic modulus and hardness of small amounts of materials. This method, which has been used extensively for characterizing metallic and inorganic solids, is now being applied to organic and metal–organic crystals, and has also become relevant to the subject of crystal engineering, which is concerned with the design of molecular solids with desired properties and functions. Through nanoindentation it is possible to correlate molecular‐level properties such as crystal packing, interaction characteristics, and the inherent anisotropy with micro/macroscopic events such as desolvation, domain coexistence, layer migration, polymorphism, and solid‐state reactivity. Recent developments and exciting opportunities in this area are highlighted in this Minireview.
SUPPRESSION OF AcMNPV REPLICATION BY ADF AND THYMOSIN PROTEIN UP‐REGULATION IN A NEW TESTIS CELL LINE, Ha‐shl‐t
Authors: Zhang Xiaoqian , Chen Ming , Ma Xinlei , Zhao Xiaofan , Wang Jinxing , Shao Honglian , Song Qisheng , Stanley David
Published: January 2013

Host cytoskeletons facilitate the entry, replication, and egress of viruses because cytoskeletons are essential for viral survival. One mechanism of resisting viral infections involves regulating cytoskeletal polymerization/depolymerization. However, the molecular mechanisms of regulating these changes in cytoskeleton to suppress viral replication remain unclear. We established a cell line (named Ha‐shl‐t) from the pupal testis of Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). The new testis cell line suppresses Autographa californica multiple nucleocapsid nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV) replication via disassembly of cytoskeleton. Up‐regulation of thymosin (actin disassembling factor) and adf (actin depolymerizing factor) reduces F‐actin. Silencing thymosin or adf or treating cells with the F‐actin stabilizer phalloidin led to increased AcMNPV replication, while treating cells with an F‐actin assembly inhibitor cytochalasin B decreased viral replication. We infer that Ha‐shl‐t cells utilize F‐actin depolymerization to suppress AcMNPV replication by up‐regulating thymosin and adf. We propose Ha‐shl‐t as a model system for investigating cytoskeletal regulation in antiviral action and testicular biology generally.
Function, diversity, and application of insect juvenile hormone epoxidases (CYP15)
Authors: Daimon Takaaki , Shinoda Tetsuro
Published: January 2013

Juvenile hormones (JHs) represent a family of sesquiterpenoid hormones in insects, and they play a key role in regulating development, metamorphosis, and reproduction. The last two steps of the JH biosynthetic pathway, epoxidation and methyl esterification of farnesoic acid to JH, are insect specific, and thus have long been considered a promising target for biorational insecticides. Recently, the enzymes involved in the last two steps have been molecularly identified: JH acid methyltransferase catalyzes the esterification step and the cytochrome P450 CYP15 enzyme catalyzes the epoxidation step. In this review, we describe the recent progress on the characterization of JH biosynthetic enzymes, with special focus on the function and diversity of the CYP15 family. CYP15 genes have evolved lineage‐specific substrate specificity and regulatory mechanisms in insects, which appear to be associated with the lineage‐specific acquisition of unique JH structure and function. In addition, the lack of CYP15 genes in crustacean (Daphnia pulex) and arachnid (Tetranychus urticae) species, whose genomes have been fully sequenced, may imply that CYP15 enzymes are an evolutionary innovation in insects to use the epoxide forms of methylated farnesoid molecules as their principal JHs. Molecular identification and characterization of CYP15 genes from broad taxa of insects have paved the way to the design of target‐specific, biorational anti‐JH agents.
Bioconversion of resveratrol using resting cells of non–genetically modified Alternaria sp.
Authors: Zhang Jinhua , Shi Junling , Liu Yanlin
Published: January 2013

Bioconversion of resveratrol is mainly achieved using plant cells and genetically modified microorganisms. We proposed a reaction system for resveratrol production using resting cells of a non–genetically modified strain, Alternaria sp. MG1, a resveratrol‐producing endophytic fungus isolated from the grape. Effects of phenylalanine concentration, inoculum size, resting time, bioconversion medium, cell age, and pH on resveratrol production in the bioconversion process were investigated and their levels were optimized. The resulting optimal bioconversion medium was 0.2 mM phosphate buffer (pH 6.5), 0.1 g/L MgSO4, 0.2 g/L CaSO4, and 4.66 mM phenylalanine. Resting cells obtained from cultures of liquid potato‐glucose medium after 4 days proved to be at the most suitable cell age for the bioconversion process with high resveratrol production and nonobvious cell growth. Highest resveratrol production (1.376 µg/L) was observed under the obtained optimal conditions of inoculum size, 12.16% (wet cell weight in 100 mL medium), and resting time, 21.3 H. The study provides a new way to produce resveratrol and establishes an essential reaction system for further study of the biosynthesis pathway of resveratrol in microorganisms, especially fungi.
Cytochrome P450 of wood‐rotting basidiomycetes and biotechnological applications
Authors: Ichinose Hirofumi
Published: January 2013

Wood‐rotting basidiomycetes possess superior metabolic functions to degrade woody biomass, and these activities are indispensable for the carbon cycle of the biosphere. As well as basic studies of the biochemistry of basidiomycetes, many researchers have been focusing on utilizing basidiomycetes and/or their enzymes in the biotechnology sector; therefore, the unique activities of their extracellular and intracellular enzymes have been widely demonstrated. A rich history of applied study has established that basidiomycetes are capable of metabolizing a series of endogeneous and exogeneous compounds using cytochrome P450s (P450s). Recently, whole genome sequence analyses have revealed large‐scale divergences in basidiomycetous P450s. The tremendous variation in P450s implies that basidiomycetes have vigorously diversified monooxygenase functions to acquire metabolic adaptations such as lignin degradation, secondary metabolite production, and xenobiotics detoxification. However, fungal P450s discovered from genome projects are often categorized into novel families and subfamilies, making it difficult to predict catalytic functions by sequence comparison. Experimental screening therefore remains essential to elucidate the catalytic potential of individual P450s, even in this postgenomic era. This paper archives the known metabolic capabilities of basidiomycetes, focusing on their P450s, outlines the molecular diversity of basidiomycetous P450s, and introduces new functions revealed by functionomic studies using a recently developed, rapid, functional screening system.
Exposure assessment of mobile phone base station radiation in an outdoor environment using sequential surrogate modeling
Authors: Aerts Sam , Deschrijver Dirk , Joseph Wout , Verloock Leen , Goeminne Francis , Martens Luc , Dhaene Tom
Published: January 2013

Human exposure to background radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF‐EMF) has been increasing with the introduction of new technologies. There is a definite need for the quantification of RF‐EMF exposure but a robust exposure assessment is not yet possible, mainly due to the lack of a fast and efficient measurement procedure. In this article, a new procedure is proposed for accurately mapping the exposure to base station radiation in an outdoor environment based on surrogate modeling and sequential design, an entirely new approach in the domain of dosimetry for human RF exposure. We tested our procedure in an urban area of about 0.04 km2 for Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) technology at 900 MHz (GSM900) using a personal exposimeter. Fifty measurement locations were sufficient to obtain a coarse street exposure map, locating regions of high and low exposure; 70 measurement locations were sufficient to characterize the electric field distribution in the area and build an accurate predictive interpolation model. Hence, accurate GSM900 downlink outdoor exposure maps (for use in, e.g., governmental risk communication and epidemiological studies) are developed by combining the proven efficiency of sequential design with the speed of exposimeter measurements and their ease of handling. Bioelectromagnetics 34:300–311, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
In vitro changes in mitochondrial potential, aggresome formation and caspase activity by a novel 17‐β‐estradiol analogue in breast adenocarcinoma cells
Authors: Nkandeu Danielle S. , Mqoco Thandi V. , Visagie Michelle H. , Stander Barend A. , Wolmarans Elize , Cronje Marianne J. , Joubert Annie M.
Published: January 2013

2‐Methoxyestradiol, a natural metabolite of estradiol, exerts antiproliferative and antitumour properties in vitro and in vivo. Because of its low oral bioavailability, several promising analogues of 2‐methoxyestradiol have been developed. In this study, the in vitro influence of the compound, 2‐ethyl‐3‐O‐sulphamoyl‐estra‐1,3,5(10)16‐tetraene (C19), a non‐commercially available 17‐β‐estradiol analogue, was tested on the breast adenocarcinoma MCF‐7 cell line. The in vitro influence of 24 h exposure to 0.18 μM of C19 on MCF‐7 cells was evaluated on cell morphology, cell cycle progression and possible induction of apoptosis and autophagy. Polarization‐optical transmitted light differential interference contrast and fluorescence microscopy revealed the presence of cells blocked in metaphase, occurrence of apoptotic bodies and compromised cell density in C19‐treated cells. Hallmarks of autophagy, namely an increase in the number of acidic vacuoles and lysosomes, were also observed in C19‐treated samples. An increase in the number of cells present in the sub‐G1 fraction, as well as a reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential was observed. No significant alterations in caspase 8 activity were observed. A twofold increase in aggresome formation was observed in C19‐treated cells. C19 induced both apoptosis and autophagy in MCF‐7 cells. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Aqueous Ca2+ System, in Comparison with Zn2+, Fe3 +, and Al3 +: An Ab Initio Molecular Dynamics Study
Authors: Bogatko Stuart , Cauët Emilie , Bylaska Eric , Schenter Gregory , Fulton John , Weare John
Published: January 2013

Herein, we report on the structure and dynamics of the aqueous Ca2+ system studied by using ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations. Our detailed study revealed the formation of well‐formed hydration shells with characteristics that were significantly different to those of bulk water. To facilitate a robust comparison with state‐of‐the‐art X‐ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) data, we employ a 1st principles MD‐XAFS procedure and directly compare simulated and experimental XAFS spectra. A comparison of the data for the aqueous Ca2+ system with those of the recently reported Zn2+, Fe3+, and Al3+ species showed that many of their structural characteristics correlated well with charge density on the cation. Some very important exceptions were found, which indicated a strong sensitivity of the solvent structure towards the cation′s valence electronic structure. Average dipole moments for the 2nd shell of all cations were suppressed relative to bulk water.
Syntheses of 2‐Keto‐3‐deoxy‐D‐xylonate and 2‐Keto‐3‐deoxy‐L‐arabinonate as Stereochemical Probes for Demonstrating the Metabolic Promiscuity of Sulfolobus solfataricus Towards D‐Xylose and L‐Arabinose
Authors: Archer Robert M. , Royer Sylvain F. , Mahy William , Winn Caroline L. , Danson Michael J. , Bull Steven D.
Published: January 2013

Practical syntheses of 2‐keto‐3‐deoxy‐D‐xylonate (D‐KDX) and 2‐keto‐3‐deoxy‐L‐arabinonate (L‐KDA) that rely on reaction of the anion of ethyl 2‐[(tert‐butyldimethylsilyl)oxy]‐2‐(dimethoxy phosphoryl) acetate with enantiopure glyceraldehyde acetonide, followed by global deprotection of the resultant O‐silyl‐enol esters, have been developed. This has enabled us to confirm that a 2‐keto‐3‐deoxy‐D‐gluconate aldolase from the archaeon Sulfolobus solfataricus demonstrates good activity for catalysis of the retro‐aldol cleavage of both these enantiomers to afford pyruvate and glycolaldehyde. The stereochemical promiscuity of this aldolase towards these enantiomeric aldol substrates confirms that this organism employs a metabolically promiscuous pathway to catabolise the C5‐sugars D‐xylose and L‐arabinose.
Carbohydrate–DNA Interactions at G‐Quadruplexes: Folding and Stability Changes by Attaching Sugars at the 5′‐End
Authors: Gómez‐Pinto Irene , Vengut‐Climent Empar , Lucas Ricardo , Aviñó Anna , Eritja Ramón , González Carlos , Morales Juan Carlos
Published: January 2013

Quadruplex DNA structures are attracting an enormous interest in many areas of chemistry, ranging from chemical biology, supramolecular chemistry to nanoscience. We have prepared carbohydrate–DNA conjugates containing the oligonucleotide sequences of G‐quadruplexes (thrombin binding aptamer (TBA) and human telomere (TEL)), measured their thermal stability and studied their structure in solution by using NMR and molecular dynamics. The solution structure of a fucose–TBA conjugate shows stacking interactions between the carbohydrate and the DNA G‐tetrad in addition to hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic contacts. We have also shown that attaching carbohydrates at the 5′‐end of a quadruplex telomeric sequence can alter its folding topology. These results suggest the possibility of modulating the folding of the G‐quadruplex by linking carbohydrates and have clear implications in molecular recognition and the design of new G‐quadruplex ligands.
On the Use of Crushed Recycled Glass Instead of Silica Sand in Dual‐Media Filters
Authors: Soyer Elif , Akgiray Ömer , Eldem Nursen Öz , Saatçı Ahmet Mete
Published: January 2013

Crushed recycled glass was evaluated as an alternative to silica sand in dual‐media filters. Pilot scale inline filtration experiments were carried out using raw waters from three different water sources with turbidities between 6.0 and 14.0 NTU. Two physically identical filter columns were operated in parallel in the experiments. One filter consisted of 62.5 cm silica sand and 41.5 cm anthracite coal, whereas the other filter contained 62.5 cm crushed recycled glass plus 41.5 cm anthracite coal. The total bed depth was 104 cm for both filters. The properties of the media were as follows: Glass effective size = 0.77 mm, uniformity coefficient = 1.41. Sand effective size = 0.79 mm, uniformity coefficient = 1.33. Coal effective size = 1.45 mm, uniformity coefficient = 1.39. Experiments were repeated five times as follows: (i) Without the use of a coagulant, (ii–iii) with 5 and 10 mg/L of alum, and (iv–v) with 5 and 10 mg/L of ferric chloride. The filtration rate used was 11.5 m/h. Turbidity, particle counts, and head losses were measured and compared as functions of time. The following were observed: (i) Effluent turbidities and particle counts of the two filters were very close, i.e., essentially the same effluent quality was obtained when crushed glass was used instead of silica sand. (ii) In the majority of the tests, the filter with crushed glass generated both a smaller clean‐bed head loss and smaller clogging head losses than those of the filter containing sand. It is concluded that crushed glass may be a good alternative to silica sand in dual‐media filtration.
Extraction of Phenol and Chlorophenols Using Ionic Liquid [Bmim]+[BF4]− Dissolved in Tributyl Phosphate
Authors: Brinda Lakshmi A. , Balasubramanian A. , Venkatesan S.
Published: January 2013

In the present work, experiments have been carried out with a focus to reduce the volume requirement of solvent by mixing with imidazolium based ionic liquids (ILs) for the solvent extraction of phenol, p‐chlorophenol, 2,4‐dichlorophenol, 2,4,6‐trichlorophenol, and pentachlorophenol from aqueous solutions. The effect of aqueous phase pH (2–12), agitation speed (100–450 rpm), solute concentration in feed (2–50 mg/L), temperature (303–333 K), treat ratio (1–11), and 1‐butyl‐3‐methyl imidazolium tetrafluoroborate [Bmim]+[BF4]− volume in tributyl phosphate (TBP; 0–0.7% v/v) on extraction of phenols has been studied and optimized. Parameters like strip phase pH (3–13) and stripping agent concentration (0.001–0.009 N) have also been studied for stripping of phenols from solvent phase. It has been found that 0.5% v/v of ionic liquid [Bmim]+[BF4]− in solvent TBP extracts more than 97.5% of phenol and chlorophenols from aqueous solutions with a treat ratio (aqueous to solvent phase ratio) of 5. Transport mechanism for extraction and stripping of phenol and chlorophenols using ionic liquid [Bmim]+[BF4]− has been discussed. The results show that by appropriate selection of extraction and stripping conditions, it is possible to remove nearly all phenols with a treat ratio of 5.
Structure–Activity Relationship Study Reveals ML240 and ML241 as Potent and Selective Inhibitors of p97 ATPase
Authors: Chou Tsui‐Fen , Li Kelin , Frankowski Kevin J. , Schoenen Frank J. , Deshaies Raymond J.
Published: January 2013

To discover more potent p97 inhibitors, we carried out a structure–activity relationship study of the quinazoline scaffold previously identified from our HTS campaigns. Two improved inhibitors, ML240 and ML241, inhibit p97 ATPase with IC50 values of 100 nM. Both compounds inhibited degradation of a p97‐dependent but not a p97‐independent proteasome substrate in a dual‐reporter cell line. They also impaired the endoplasmic‐reticulum‐associated degradation (ERAD) pathway. Unexpectedly, ML240 potently stimulated accumulation of LC3‐II within minutes, inhibited cancer cell growth, and rapidly mobilized the executioner caspases 3 and 7, whereas ML241 did not. The behavior of ML240 suggests that disruption of the protein homeostasis function of p97 leads to more rapid activation of apoptosis than is observed with a proteasome inhibitor. Further characterization revealed that ML240 has broad antiproliferative activity toward the NCI‐60 panel of cancer cell lines, but slightly lower activity toward normal cells. ML240 also synergizes with the proteasome inhibitor MG132 to kill multiple colon cancer cell lines. Meanwhile, both probes have low off‐target activity toward a panel of protein kinases and central nervous system targets. Our results nominate ML240 as a promising starting point for the development of a novel agent for the chemotherapy of cancer, and provide a rationale for developing pathway‐specific p97 inhibitors.
Sensitive, Fast, Solution‐Processed Ultraviolet Detectors Based on Passivated Zinc Oxide Nanorods
Authors: Rostami Ali , Dolatyari Mahboubeh , Amini Elham , Rasooli Hassan , Baghban Hamed , Miri Somayeh
Published: January 2013

Solution‐processed ultraviolet photodetectors based on passivated and unpassivated zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods, in which the ZnO nanoparticles are synthesized by a hydrothermal method, are demonstrated and characterized. Photoconductive photodetectors fabricated using simple solution processing have recently been shown to exhibit high gains and outstanding sensitivities. One ostensible disadvantage of exploiting photoconductive gain is that the temporal response is limited by the release of carriers from trap states. Herein, specific chemical species are introduced onto the surfaces of ZnO nanoparticles to produce desired trap states with a carefully selected lifetime. Compared with conventional photodetectors based on ZnO nanoparticles, the proposed UV photodetectors have much higher photoresponses and faster response times in the UV region. The photoconductive gain of the fabricated photodetectors varies from 26.83 to 2.32×102 for passivated samples, which indicates high gain. The best temporal response for the fabricated detectors is 34 ms rise time and 132 ms decay time for ZnO nanoparticles passivated by hexamethylenetetramine.
Conversion of (Ligno)Cellulose Feeds to Isosorbide with Heteropoly Acids and Ru on Carbon
Authors: Op de Beeck Beau , Geboers Jan , Van de Vyver Stijn , Van Lishout Jonas , Snelders Jeroen , Huijgen Wouter J. J. , Courtin Christophe M. , Jacobs Pierre A. , Sels Bert F.
Published: January 2013

The catalytic valorization of cellulose is currently subject of intense research. Isosorbide is among the most interesting products that can be formed from cellulose as it is a potential platform molecule and can be used for the synthesis of a wide range of pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and polymers. A promising direct route from cellulose to isosorbide is presented in this work. The strategy relies on a one‐pot bifunctional catalytic concept, combining heteropoly acids, viz. H4SiW12O40, and redox catalysts, viz. commercial Ru on carbon, under H2 pressure. Starting from pure microcrystalline cellulose, a rapid conversion was observed, resulting in over 50 % isosorbide yield. The robustness of the developed system is evidenced by the conversion of a range of impure cellulose pulps obtained by organosolv fractionation, with isosorbide yields up to 63 %. Results were compared with other (ligno)cellulose feedstocks, highlighting the importance of fractionation and purification to increase reactivity and convertibility of the cellulose feedstock.
Course and predictors of maternal eating disorders in the postpartum period
Authors: Knoph Cecilie , Von Holle Ann , Zerwas Stephanie , Torgersen Leila , Tambs Kristian , Stoltenberg Camilla , Bulik Cynthia M , Reichborn‐Kjennerud Ted
Published: January 2013

Objective:

To investigate course and predictors of eating disorders in the postpartum period.

Method:

A total of 77,807 women, participating in the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa), completed questionnaires during pregnancy including items covering DSM‐IV criteria for prepregnancy anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), eating disorder not otherwise specified (EDNOS‐P), and binge eating disorder (BED). Additional questionnaires were completed at 18 and 36 months postpartum.

Results:

Proportions of women remitting at 18 months and 36 months postpartum were 50% and 59% for AN, 39% and 30% for BN, 46% and 57% for EDNOS‐P, and 45% and 42% for BED, respectively. However, disordered eating persisted in a substantial proportion of women meeting criteria for either full or subthreshold eating disorders. BN during pregnancy increased the risk for continuation of BN. BMI and psychological distress were significantly associated with course of BED.

Discussion:

This is the first large‐scale population‐based study on course of eating disorders in the postpartum period. The results indicated that disordered eating persists in a substantial proportion of women with prepregnancy eating disorders. Health care professionals working with women in this phase of life need to pay specific attention to eating disorder symptoms and behaviors. © 2013 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2013)
Diurnal patterns of gas‐exchange and metabolic pools in tundra plants during three phases of the arctic growing season
Authors: Patankar Rajit , Mortazavi Behzad , Oberbauer Steven F. , Starr Gregory
Published: January 2013

Arctic tundra plant communities are subject to a short growing season that is the primary period in which carbon is sequestered for growth and survival. This period is often characterized by 24‐h photoperiods for several months a year. To compensate for the short growing season tundra plants may extend their carbon uptake capacity on a diurnal basis, but whether this is true remains unknown. Here, we examined in situ diurnal patterns of physiological activity and foliar metabolites during the early, mid, and late growing season in seven arctic species under light‐saturated conditions. We found clear diurnal patterns in photosynthesis and respiration, with midday peaks and midnight lulls indicative of circadian regulation. Diurnal patterns in foliar metabolite concentrations were less distinct between the species and across seasons, suggesting that metabolic pools are likely governed by proximate external factors. This understanding of diurnal physiology will also enhance the parameterization of process‐based models, which will aid in better predicting future carbon dynamics for the tundra. This becomes even more critical considering the rapid changes that are occurring circumpolarly that are altering plant community structure, function, and ultimately regional and global carbon budgets.
Seasonal dimorphism in the horny bills of sparrows
Authors: Greenberg Russell , Etterson Matthew , Danner Raymond M.
Published: January 2013

Bill size is often viewed as a species‐specific adaptation for feeding, but it sometimes varies between sexes, suggesting that sexual selection or intersexual competition may also be important. Hypotheses to explain sexual dimorphism in avian bill size include divergence in feeding niche or thermoregulatory demands, intrasexual selection based on increased competition among males, or female preference. Birds also show seasonal changes in bill size due to shifts in the balance between growth rate and wear, which may be due to diet or endogenous rhythms in growth. Insight into the function of dimorphism can be gained using the novel approach of digital x‐ray imaging of museum skins to examine the degree to which the skeletal core or the rhamphotheca contribute to overall dimorphism. The rhamphotheca is ever‐growing and ever‐wearing, varying in size throughout life; whereas the skeletal core shows determinant growth. Because tidal marsh sparrows are more dimorphic in bill size than related taxa, we selected two marsh taxa to investigate dimorphism and seasonality in the size of the overall bill, the skeletal core, and the rhamphotheca. Bill size varied by sex and season, with males having larger bills than females, and bill size increasing from nonbreeding to breeding season more in males. Skeletal bill size varied with season, but not sex. The rhamphotheca varied primarily with sex; males had a larger rhamphotheca (corrected for skeletal bill size), which showed a greater seasonal increase than females. The rhamphotheca, rather than the skeletal bill, was responsible for sexual dimorphism in overall bill size, which was particularly well developed in the breeding season. The size of the rhamphotheca may be a condition‐based character that is shaped by sexual selection. These results are consistent with the evidence that bill size is influenced by sexual selection as well as trophic ecology.
Thpok‐independent repression of Runx3 by Gata3 during CD4+T‐cell differentiation in the thymus
Authors: Xiong Yumei , Castro Ehydel , Yagi Ryoji , Zhu Jinfang , Lesourne Renaud , Love Paul E. , Feigenbaum Lionel , Bosselut Rémy
Published: January 2013

CD4+ helper T cells are essential for immune responses and differentiate in the thymus from CD4+CD8+ “double‐positive” (DP) thymocytes. The transcription factor Runx3 inhibits CD4+ T‐cell differentiation by repressing Cd4 gene expression; accordingly, Runx3 is not expressed in DP thymocytes or developing CD4+ T cells. The transcription factor Thpok is upregulated in CD4‐differentiating thymocytes and required to repress Runx3. However, how Runx3 is controlled at early stages of CD4+ T‐cell differentiation, before the onset of Thpok expression, remains unknown. Here we show that Gata3, a transcription factor preferentially and transiently upregulated by CD4+ T‐cell precursors, represses Runx3 and binds the Runx3 locus in vivo. Accordingly, we show that high‐level Gata3 expression and expression of Runx3 are mutually exclusive. Furthermore, whereas Runx3 represses Cd4, we show that Gata3 promotes Cd4 expression in Thpok‐deficient thymocytes. Thus, in addition to its previously documented role in promoting CD4‐lineage gene‐expression, Gata3 represses CD8‐lineage gene expression. These findings identify Gata3 as a critical pivot of CD4‐CD8 lineage differentiation.
AMPKα1: A glucose sensor that controls CD8 T‐cell memory
Authors: Rolf Julia , Zarrouk Marouan , Finlay David K. , Foretz Marc , Viollet Benoit , Cantrell Doreen A.
Published: January 2013

The adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) is activated by antigen receptor signals and energy stress in T cells. In many cell types, AMPK can maintain energy homeostasis and can enforce quiescence to limit energy demands. We consequently evaluated the importance of AMPK for controlling the transition of metabolically active effector CD8 T lymphocytes to the metabolically quiescent catabolic memory T cells during the contraction phase of the immune response. We show that AMPKα1 activates rapidly in response to the metabolic stress caused by glucose deprivation of CD8 cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). Moreover, AMPKα1 restrains mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 activity under conditions of glucose stress. AMPKα1 activity is dispensable for proliferation and differentiation of CTLs. However, AMPKα1 is required for in vivo survival of CTLs following withdrawal of immune stimulation. AMPKα1null T cells also show a striking defect in their ability to generate memory CD8 T‐cell responses during Listeria monocytogenes infection. These results show that AMPKα1 monitors energy stress in CTLs and controls CD8 T‐cell memory.
Microstructure and Optical Properties of CoxZn1–xGa2O4 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) Nanoparticles
Authors: Duan Xiulan , Yu Fapeng , Wu Yuanchun
Published: January 2013

CoxZn1–xGa2O4 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) nanoparticles were synthesized by the sol‐gel method and characterized by X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), 71Ga solid‐state NMR spectroscopy, and UV/Vis spectroscopy. The results show that the CoxZn1–xGa2O4 nanoparticles were successfully obtained when the annealing temperature was 500 °C or above. The crystallite size of the as‐prepared particles was 20–55 nm, and increased with increasing annealing temperature and decreasing x value. Zn2+ and Ga3+ ions were located in both the tetrahedral and octahedral sites in CoxZn1–xGa2O4 nanoparticles, and the inversion parameter (two times the fraction of Ga3+ ions in tetrahedral sites) decreased with increasing annealing temperature and increased with cobalt enrichment. The absorption spectra indicate that Co2+ ions are located in the tetrahedral sites as well as in the octahedral sites in the nanoparticles. The fraction of octahedral Co2+ ions decreased with increasing annealing temperature.
Synthesis of Racemic δ,δ‐Dimethylproline Derivatives
Authors: Rodríguez Isabel , Calaza M. Isabel , Cativiela Carlos
Published: January 2013

A versatile methodology for the preparation of racemic δ,δ‐dimethylproline derivatives has been developed. Methyl N‐Boc‐δ,δ‐dimethylprolinate was synthesized from a β‐amino acid in six steps and 55 % overall yield. The route is amenable to the preparation of a broad range of δ,δ‐disubstituted prolines by starting with the adequate β‐amino acids. In addition, one of the intermediate compounds in the synthetic route has been used for the preparation of a δ,δ‐dimethylproline derivative that is substituted at the β‐position with a phenyl group. This has been achieved by coupling phenylboronic acid with a regioselectively generated vinyl triflate followed by a stereoselective hydrogenation.
l‐Lysine‐derived ionic liquids as chiral ligands of Zn(II) complexes used in ligand‐exchange CE
Authors: Zhang Haizhi , Qi Li , Shen Ying , Qiao Juan , Mao Lanqun
Published: January 2013

Amino acid ionic liquids (AAILs) with l‐lysine (l‐Lys) as anion were synthesized and applied as new chiral ligands in Zn(II) complexes for chiral ligand‐exchange CE. After effective optimization, baseline enantioseparation of seven pairs of dansylated amino acids was achieved with a buffer of 100.0 mM boric acid, 5.0 mM ammonium acetate, 3.0 mM ZnSO4, and 6.0 mM [C6mim][l‐Lys] at pH 8.2. To validate the unique behavior of AAILs, a comparative study between the performance of Zn(II)‐l‐Lys and Zn(II)‐[C6mim][l‐Lys] systems was conducted. In Zn(II)‐[C6mim][l‐Lys] system, it has been found that the improved chiral resolution could be obtained and the migration times of the three test samples were markedly prolonged. Then the separation mechanism was further discussed. The role of [C6mim][l‐Lys] indicated clearly that the synthesized AAILs could be used as chiral ligands and would have potential utilization in separation science in future.
Graphene oxide coated capillary for chiral separation by CE
Authors: Ye Nengsheng , Li Jian , Xie Yali , Liu Chang
Published: January 2013

This article describes a new application of graphene oxide (GO) in CE based on the coating of fused silica capillary for chiral separation. The coated capillary was characterized by SEM, energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, and Raman spectra. The results indicated that the capillary was coated with GO. Chiral separations were carried out in the GO‐coated capillary for the ephedrine–pseudoephedrine (E‐PE) isomers and β‐methylphenethylamine (β‐Me‐PEA) isomers at the optimal buffer conditions without any chiral selector by CE. The precision and reproducibility of GO‐coated capillary were investigated, and the RSDs of migration time (n = 6) for the E‐PE isomers were 1.35–1.41%, and 0.97–3.50% for β‐Me‐PEA isomers, respectively. The LOD for E‐PE isomers and β‐Me‐PEA isomers was 3 μM and 18 μM, respectively.
Identification of polyimide materials using quantitative CE with UV and QTOF‐MS detection
Authors: Causon Tim J. , Himmelsbach Markus , Buchberger Wolfgang , Klampfl Christian W.
Published: January 2013

Polyimides (PIs) are a group of widely used synthetic materials that service a variety of different purposes including microelectronics, insulating films and aerospace applications. Depending on the requirements (defined by the particular final product), the actual composition of PIs may show substantial chemical variation. To study this variation in chemical structure, CE‐MS can be employed for the determination of PI composition following chemical degradation of the polymer sample. PI is chemically decomposed to corresponding aromatic diamine and carboxylic acid components using an alkali fusion reaction. Solid polymer samples are fused in a potassium hydroxide melt yielding reaction products that are diluted in acid and can be immediately analysed by CE coupled to a Q/TOF‐MS with quantification performed using conventional UV detection. This approach involves a simple and rapid sample preparation yielding both qualitative and quantitative information regarding the chemical composition of the polymer. Application of the CE‐MS approach is shown for a range of commercially available PI and poly(amide–imide) materials and the results are used to infer the respective chemical compositions.
CIEF method optimization: Development of robust and reproducible protein reagent characterization in the clinical immunodiagnostic industry
Authors: Bonn Ryan , Rampal Sushma , Rae Tracey , Fishpaugh Jeffrey
Published: January 2013

Several method parameters have been refined for application of CIEF methods to provide optimal capillary robustness and performance longevity while maintaining desired analytical output for the ever increasing characterization scrutiny of protein reagents used in clinical assay formulations. Demonstrated here are significant modifications to the existing protocols in order to attain a robust, reproducible method that achieves as much as a 20‐fold increase in the number of consecutive runs before capillary degradation. Not only is it a concern for the rudimentary analysis of acidic and basic components of the isoform profile for monoclonal antibodies, but a comprehensive identification of each individual isoform to obtain a characteristic fingerprint is necessary for minor distinguishable properties between multiple proteins in unambiguous identification. In order to maintain the integrity of these modifications, extensive studies were conducted on an implemented system suitability standard protein with specifically defined parameters indicating either sufficient or poor separation performance.