bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantification of curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin in rodent brain by UHPLC/ESI‐Q‐TOF‐MS/MS after intra‐nasal administration of curcuminoids loaded PNIPAM nanoparticles
Authors: Ahmad Niyaz , Warsi Musarrat Husain , Iqbal Zeenat , Samim Mohd , Ahmad Farhan Jalees
Published: May 2013

An ultra high performance liquid chromatography‐electrospray ionization‐synapt mass spectrometric method (UHPLC/ESI‐QTOF‐MS/MS) for the analysis of curcumin (Cur), demethoxycurcumin (DMC), bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC) in Wistar rat brain homogenate was developed and validated. The chromatographic separation was achieved on a Waters ACQUITY UPLC™ BEH C18 (2.1mm × 100 mm; 1.7μm) column using isocratic mobile phase, consisting of acetonitrile: 10mM ammonium formate: formic acid (90:10:0.05v/v/v), at a flow rate of 0.2 ml min‐1. The transitions occurred at m/z 367.0694/217.0598, 337.0717/173.0910, 307.0760/187.0844 for Cur, DMC, BDMC and m/z 307.0344/229.0677 for the IS (Nimesulide) respectively. The recovery of the analytes from Wistar rat brain homogenate was optimized using liquid‐liquid extraction technique (LLE) in (ethyl acetate: chloform) mixture. The total run time was 3.0 min and the elution of Cur, DMC, BDMC occurred at 1.6, 1.75, 1.70 min, and for the IS 1.87 min, respectively. The linear dynamic range was established over the concentration range of 1.00 ng mL‐1 to 1000.0 ng mL‐1(r2; 0.9909 ± 0.0011, 0.9911 ± 0.003, and 0.9919 ± 0.0013) for Cur, DMC, and BDMC, respectively. The intra and inter‐assay accuracy in terms of % CV for Cur, DMC, and BDMC was in the range 0.47–2.20, 0.47–1.65, and0.44–2.70, respectively. The lower limit of detection (LOD) and quantitation (LOQ) for Cur, DMC, and BDMC were 0.46, 0.05, 0.16 ng mL‐1 and 0.153, 0.015, 0.052 ng mL‐1, respectively. Analytes were stable and the method proved to be accurate (recovery, >85%), specific and was applied to evaluate the Cur, DMC, BDMC loaded PNIPAM NPs as vehicles for nose to brain drug delivery. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of 1,3 dimethylamylamine concentrations in Geraniaceae, geranium oil and dietary supplements
Authors: Austin Krista G. , Travis John , Pace Gerry , Lieberman Harris R.
Published: May 2013

1,3‐Dimethylamylamine (DMAA) is a sympathomimetic compound currently incorporated into some dietary supplements. Significant controversy exists regarding the ‘natural’ origin of DMAA, as claimed by manufacturers of supplements. Manufacturers often refer to its presence by the name Geranamine® implying that DMAA is found in the plant species Geranium and Pelargonium known collectively as Geraniaceae. This study determined whether DMAA is present in the plant species, Geranium and Pelargonium. In addition, concentrations of DMAA in popular dietary supplements and commercial Geranium and Pelargonium oils were assessed. One Pelargonium cultivar, one Geranium cultivar, three essential oils from Pelargonium or Geranium, raw DMAA powder, and seven dietary supplements (DS) sold as finished products and labelled as containing DMAA, or one of its synonyms, were analyzed for the presence of DMAA by ultra performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC‐MS/MS). No measurable levels of DMAA in Geranium, Pelargonium or essential oils at a detection limit of 1–2 ng/g were present. UPLC/MS/MS analysis confirmed the presence of DMAA in spiked plant and oil samples, all seven DS products, and raw DMAA powder. Concentrations (weight%) of DMAA provided in DS ranged from 0.11% to 673%. This study indicates DMAA contained in DS is of a synthetic origin and is not present in the plant species Geranium and Pelargonium; thus the ‘natural’ origin and use of DMAA as an ingredient in DS is not substantiated. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Genome‐wide expression analysis and EMX2 gene expression in embryonic myoblasts committed to diverse skeletal muscle fiber type fates
Authors: Weimer Kristina , Theobald Jillian , Campbell Kenneth S. , Esser Karyn A. , DiMario Joseph X.
Published: May 2013

Background: Primary skeletal muscle fibers form during embryonic development and are characterized as fast or slow fibers based on contractile protein gene expression. Different avian primary muscle fiber types arise from myoblast lineages committed to formation of diverse fiber types. To understand the basis of embryonic muscle fiber type diversity and the distinct myoblast lineages that generate this diversity, gene expression analyses were conducted on differentiated muscle fiber types and their respective myoblast precursor lineages. Results: Embryonic fast muscle fibers preferentially expressed 718 genes, and embryonic fast/slow muscle fibers differentially expressed 799 genes. Fast and fast/slow myoblast lineages displayed appreciable diversity in their gene expression profiles, indicating diversity of precursor myoblasts. Several genes, including the transcriptional regulator EMX2, were differentially expressed in both fast/slow myoblasts and muscle fibers vs. fast myoblasts and muscle fibers. EMX2 was localized to nuclei of fast/slow myoblasts and muscle fibers and was not detected in fast lineage cells. Furthermore, EMX2 overexpression and knockdown studies indicated that EMX2 is a positive transcriptional regulator of the slow myosin heavy chain 2 (MyHC2) gene promoter activity in fast/slow muscle fibers. Conclusions: These results indicate the presence of distinct molecular signatures that characterize diverse embryonic myoblast lineages before differentiation. Developmental Dynamics 242:1001–1020, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Manta Matcher: automated photographic identification of manta rays using keypoint features
Authors: Town Christopher , Marshall Andrea , Sethasathien Nutthaporn
Published: May 2013

For species which bear unique markings, such as natural spot patterning, field work has become increasingly more reliant on visual identification to recognize and catalog particular specimens or to monitor individuals within populations. While many species of interest exhibit characteristic markings that in principle allow individuals to be identified from photographs, scientists are often faced with the task of matching observations against databases of hundreds or thousands of images. We present a novel technique for automated identification of manta rays (Manta alfredi and Manta birostris) by means of a pattern‐matching algorithm applied to images of their ventral surface area. Automated visual identification has recently been developed for several species. However, such methods are typically limited to animals that can be photographed above water, or whose markings exhibit high contrast and appear in regular constellations. While manta rays bear natural patterning across their ventral surface, these patterns vary greatly in their size, shape, contrast, and spatial distribution. Our method is the first to have proven successful at achieving high matching accuracies on a large corpus of manta ray images taken under challenging underwater conditions. Our method is based on automated extraction and matching of keypoint features using the Scale‐Invariant Feature Transform (SIFT) algorithm. In order to cope with the considerable variation in quality of underwater photographs, we also incorporate preprocessing and image enhancement steps. Furthermore, we use a novel pattern‐matching approach that results in better accuracy than the standard SIFT approach and other alternative methods. We present quantitative evaluation results on a data set of 720 images of manta rays taken under widely different conditions. We describe a novel automated pattern representation and matching method that can be used to identify individual manta rays from photographs. The method has been incorporated into a website (mantamatcher.org) which will serve as a global resource for ecological and conservation research. It will allow researchers to manage and track sightings data to establish important life‐history parameters as well as determine other ecological data such as abundance, range, movement patterns, and structure of manta ray populations across the world.
Pairing of T‐cell receptor chains via emulsion PCR
Authors: Turchaninova Maria A. , Britanova Olga V. , Bolotin Dmitriy A. , Shugay Mikhail , Putintseva Ekaterina V. , Staroverov Dmitriy B. , Sharonov George , Shcherbo Dmitriy , Zvyagin Ivan V. , Mamedov Ilgar Z. , Linnemann Carsten , Schumacher Ton N. , Chudakov Dmitriy M.
Published: May 2013

Our ability to analyze adaptive immunity and engineer its activity has long been constrained by our limited ability to identify native pairs of heavy–light antibody chains and alpha–beta T‐cell receptor (TCR) chains — both of which comprise coupled “halves of a key”, collectively capable of recognizing specific antigens. Here, we report a cell‐based emulsion RT‐PCR approach that allows the selective fusion of the native pairs of amplified TCR alpha and beta chain genes for complex samples. A new type of PCR suppression technique was developed that makes it possible to amplify the fused library with minimal noise for subsequent analysis by high‐throughput paired‐end Illumina sequencing. With this technique, single analysis of a complex blood sample allows identification of multiple native TCR chain pairs. This approach may be extended to identify native antibody chain pairs and, more generally, pairs of mRNA molecules that are coexpressed in the same living cells.
Activation of E–H and E–E (E = S, O) Bonds by Heterobimetallic Zr/Co Complexes: Evidence for Both One‐ and Two‐Electron Processes
Authors: Napoline J. Wesley , Krogman Jeremy P. , Shi Rena , Kuppuswamy Subramaniam , Bezpalko Mark W. , Foxman Bruce M. , Thomas Christine M.
Published: May 2013

The reactivity of the reduced ZrIIICo0 heterobimetallic complex [(thf)Zr(MesNPiPr2)3CoN2] (1a) towards O–H, S–H, S–S, and O–O bonds has been investigated. Complex 1a reacts readily with PhOH, EtOH, and H2O to generate the one‐electron‐oxidized complexes [(RO)Zr(MesNPiPr2)3CoN2] [R = Et (2), Ph (3), H (4)]. In contrast, PhSH and PhS–SPh react by means of overall two‐electron processes to form [(η2‐MesNPiPr2)Zr(μ‐SPh)(MesNPiPr2)2Co(SPh)] (5a). Addition of stoichiometric diethyl peroxide to 1a generates 2, but further equivalents lead to the two‐electron oxidized product [(EtO)Zr(MesNPiPr2)3Co(OEt)] (6). More sterically hindered peroxides such as dicumyl peroxide or di‐tert‐butyl peroxide do not react with 1a under ambient conditions, but upon photolysis, di‐tert‐butyl peroxide reacts with 1a to form [(tBuO)Zr(MesNPiPr2)3CoN2] (7). These results imply that an inner‐sphere electron‐transfer process is occurring at the Zr site of 1a upon treatment with these chalcogen‐based substrates, and a dissociative electron‐transfer mechanism is proposed.
Formation and Reactivity of the Terminal Vanadium Nitride Functionality
Authors: Tran Ba L. , Krzystek J. , Ozarowski Andrew , Chen Chung‐Hsing , Pink Maren , Karty Jonathan A. , Telser Joshua , Meyer Karsten , Mindiola Daniel J.
Published: May 2013

The transformation of vanadium(III) azides, [(nacnac)V(N3)(X)]n {nacnac = [ArNC(CH3)]2CH–, Ar = 2,6‐(CHMe2)2C6H3; X = Ntol2–, where tol = 4‐MeC6H4, n = 1; X = ArO–, n = 2}, to their corresponding vanadium(V) nitrides, [(nacnac)V≡N(X)], was investigated through an isotopic labeling crossover experiment. The nuclearity of the azide species is dependent on the size of the supporting ligand, X, with X = ArO–, thus featuring a V2N6 core with two μ2‐1,3‐N3 bridging ligands across the VIII centers. SQUID magnetization studies and multifrequency, high‐field EPR (HFEPR) experiments reveal the mononuclear azide complex to be consistent with an S = 1 system, while the dimeric azide system is weakly antiferromagnetically coupled with a spin singlet ground state and thermally accessible triplet and quintet states. These combined results suggest that the transformation of a vanadium(III) azide to a vanadium(V) nitride most likely occurs by a bimetallic mechanism, where Lewis bases inhibit N2 extrusion. Room‐temperature generation of the nitride products from their corresponding azides can also be accomplished stoichiometrically with a Lewis acid, such as B(C6F5)3, and catalytically, through an unsaturated vanadium(II) fragment, [(nacnac)V(Ntol2)].
Climate change and watershed mercury export: a multiple projection and model analysis
Authors: Golden Heather E. , Knightes Christopher D. , Conrads Paul A. , Feaster Toby D. , Davis Gary M. , Benedict Stephen T. , Bradley Paul M.
Published: May 2013

Future shifts in climatic conditions may impact watershed mercury (Hg) dynamics and transport. An ensemble of watershed models was applied in the present study to simulate and evaluate the responses of hydrological and total Hg (THg) fluxes from the landscape to the watershed outlet and in-stream THg concentrations to contrasting climate change projections for a watershed in the southeastern coastal plain of the United States. Simulations were conducted under stationary atmospheric deposition and land cover conditions to explicitly evaluate the effect of projected precipitation and temperature on watershed Hg export (i.e., the flux of Hg at the watershed outlet). Based on downscaled inputs from 2 global circulation models that capture extremes of projected wet (Community Climate System Model, Ver 3 [CCSM3]) and dry (ECHAM4/HOPE-G [ECHO]) conditions for this region, watershed model simulation results suggest a decrease of approximately 19% in ensemble-averaged mean annual watershed THg fluxes using the ECHO climate-change model and an increase of approximately 5% in THg fluxes with the CCSM3 model. Ensemble-averaged mean annual ECHO in-stream THg concentrations increased 20%, while those of CCSM3 decreased by 9% between the baseline and projected simulation periods. Watershed model simulation results using both climate change models suggest that monthly watershed THg fluxes increase during the summer, when projected flow is higher than baseline conditions. The present study's multiple watershed model approach underscores the uncertainty associated with climate change response projections and their use in climate change management decisions. Thus, single-model predictions can be misleading, particularly in developmental stages of watershed Hg modeling. Environ Toxicol Chem 2013;32:2165–2174. © 2013 SETAC
Active deformation in old oceanic lithosphere and significance for earthquake hazard: Seismic imaging of the Coral Patch Ridge area and neighboring abyssal plains (SW Iberian Margin)
Authors: Martínez‐Loriente Sara , Gràcia Eulàlia , Bartolome Rafael , Sallarès Valentí , Connors Christopher , Perea Hector , Lo Iacono Claudio , Klaeschen Dirk , Terrinha Pedro , Dañobeitia Juan José , Zitellini Nevio
Published: May 2013

Recently acquired high‐resolution multichannel seismic profiles together with bathymetric and sub‐bottom profiler data from the external part of the Gulf of Cadiz (Iberia‐Africa plate boundary) reveal active deformation involving old (Mesozoic) oceanic lithosphere. This area is located 180 km offshore the SW Iberian Peninsula and embraces the prominent NE‐SW trending Coral Patch Ridge, and part of the surrounding deep Horseshoe and Seine abyssal plains. E‐W trending dextral strike‐slip faults showing surface deformation of flower‐like structures predominate in the Horseshoe Abyssal Plain, whereas NE‐SW trending compressive structures prevail in the Coral Patch Ridge and Seine Hills. Although the Coral Patch Ridge region is characterized by subdued seismic activity, the area is not free from seismic hazard. Most of the newly mapped faults correspond to active blind thrusts and strike‐slip faults that are able to generate large magnitude earthquakes (Mw7.2–8.4). This may represent a significant earthquake and tsunami hazard that has been overlooked so far.
Identification of intramural epithelial networks linked to peribiliary glands that express progenitor cell markers and proliferate after injury in mice
Authors: DiPaola Frank , Shivakumar Pranavkumar , Pfister Janet , Walters Stephanie , Sabla Gregg , Bezerra Jorge A.
Published: May 2013

Peribiliary glands (PBGs) are clusters of epithelial cells residing in the submucosal compartment of extrahepatic bile ducts (EHBDs). Though their function is largely undefined, they may represent a stem cell niche. Here, we hypothesized that PBGs are populated by mature and undifferentiated cells capable of proliferation in pathological states. To address this hypothesis, we developed a novel whole-mount immunostaining assay that preserves the anatomical integrity of EHBDs coupled with confocal microscopy and found that PBGs populate the entire length of the extrahepatic biliary tract, except the gallbladder. Notably, in addition to the typical position of PBGs adjacent to the duct mucosa, PBGs elongate and form intricate intramural epithelial networks that communicate between different segments of the bile duct mucosa. Network formation begins where the cystic duct combines with hepatic ducts to form the common bile duct (CBD) and continues along the CBD. Cells of PBGs and the peribiliary network stain positively for α-tubulin, mucins, and chromogranin A, as well as for endoderm transcription factors SRY (sex determining region Y)-box 17 and pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1, and proliferate robustly subsequent to duct injury induced by virus infection and bile duct ligation.

Conclusion

: PBGs form elaborate epithelial networks within the walls of EHBDs, contain cells of mature and immature phenotypes, and proliferate in response to bile duct injury. The anatomical organization of the epithelial network in tubules and the link with PBGs support an expanded cellular reservoir with the potential to restore the integrity and function of the bile duct mucosa in diseased states. (Hepatology 2013;58:1486–1496)
Who Will We Recruit? Targeting Deep‐ and Surface‐Level Diversity with Human Resource Policy Advertising
Authors: Casper Wendy J. , Wayne Julie Holliday , Manegold Jennifer Grace
Published: May 2013

Research on targeted recruitment has focused on targeting applicants with surface‐level attributes such as underrepresented demographic groups. The present study extends targeted recruitment research by examining how advertising human resource policies might be useful for targeting both surface‐ and deep‐level attributes. Specifically, the current study uses an experimental design to examine the impact of work‐family, diversity, and employee development policies on the job‐pursuit intentions of working adults in the United States. We examined surface‐ (demographic characteristics; e.g., race) and deep‐level differences (attitudes or values; e.g., diversity values) as predictors of whether participants intend to pursue jobs with firms advertising these human resource (HR) policies. Deep‐level differences consistently predicted job‐pursuit intentions for all three HR policies, but only marginal support was obtained for surface‐level variables as predictors. Findings suggest that targeted recruitment based on deep‐level attributes may be more successful than targeted recruitment based on surface‐level factors.
Pay‐Level Satisfaction and Employee Outcomes: The Moderating Effect of Employee‐Involvement Climate
Authors: Schreurs Bert , Guenter Hannes , Schumacher Désirée , Van Emmerik IJ. Hetty , Notelaers Guy
Published: May 2013

The present study examined employee‐involvement climate (i.e., information‐sharing and decision‐making climate) as a moderator of the relationship between pay‐level satisfaction and employee outcomes (i.e., job satisfaction, affective commitment, and turnover intention). Survey data were collected from 22,662 Belgian employees, representing 134 organizations. The hypotheses derived from distributive justice theory and from research on the meaning of pay received partial support. Multilevel analyses revealed that a decision‐making climate buffered the negative effects of low pay‐level satisfaction, and that an information‐sharing climate exacerbated the negative effects of low pay‐level satisfaction. Theoretical and practical implications of this differential moderating effect are discussed.
Fluorescent Nucleoside Analogs: Probes for Investigating Nucleic Acid Structure and Function
Authors: Tanpure Arun A. , Pawar Maroti G. , Srivatsan Seergazhi G.
Published: May 2013

Base‐modified fluorescent nucleoside analog probes have been very valuable in the study of nucleic acid structure and function. Many of them structurally resemble natural bases, and also display useful properties, such as large Stokes shifts and sensitivity to microenvironment changes. Therefore, unlike traditional fluorescence probes, which mostly report global changes, nucleoside analogs, when incorporated into oligonucleotides, can photophysically report changes that occur around the site of interest, at the nucleotide level. In this review, we provide an overview of various strategies that have been employed to design base‐modified fluorescent nucleoside analogs. Then we review recent developments and applications of new generation fluorescent nucleoside analogs with a particular focus on the synthesis, photophysical characterizations and applications of heterobicycle‐conjugated pyrimidine nucleoside analogs that have been developed by our group. These analogs, which have a minimal effect on the structures of the oligonucleotides into which they are incorporated, show emission in the visible region and excellent fluorescence solvatochromism. Notably, unlike the majority of fluorescent nucleoside analogs developed so far, these analogs retain their fluorescence efficiency when incorporated into oligonucleotides. We anticipate that these nucleoside analogs, with such photophysical properties, would be useful in designing robust biophysical assays to study nucleic acids.
Autophagy Induced by the Withdrawal of Mitogens Promotes Neurite Extension in Rat Neural Stem Cells
Authors: Chen Ye , Zhao Lu , Tian Xiaowei , Liu Tingting , Zhong Jiateng , Sun Liankun , Liu Jiamei
Published: May 2013

Neural stem cells (NSCs) are usually affected by a number of biological functions in neural traumatic and degenerative diseases. Autophagy may be involved in these diseases. However, whether autophagy could affect NSCs is largely unknown. Therefore, we aimed to investigate intracellular microstructures, proliferation, axon extension, and Beclin‐1 expression of rat NSCs by basic culture medium and conditioned medium without epidermal growth factor (EGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). Transmission electron microscopy showed the formation of autophagic vacuoles in conditioned medium. Compared to the control group with normal medium, the number of secondary neurosphere was significantly reduced whereas the expression of Beclin‐1 was enhanced. The majority of NSCs were nestin‐positive when EGF/bFGF was withdrawn for 3 days and showed enhanced neurite extension, which was suppressed by autophagy antagonist 3‐methyladenine. Our findings revealed that a short‐term paucity of mitogens in microenvironments could induce autophagy of NSCs, which facilitated NSCs’ axonal growth. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J BiochemMol Toxicol 27:351‐356, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/jbt.21496
Selective Hydrogenation of Acetylene over SBA‐15 Supported Au—Cu Bimetallic Catalysts
Authors: Lee Jonathan William , Liu Xiaoyan , Mou Chung‐Yuan
Published: May 2013

Copper has been reported to be active in selective hydrogenation of acetylene but very selective to oligomers instead of ethylene. In this work, SBA‐15 supported Cu‐Au bimetallic nanoparticles are studied under different Cu/Au ratios and temperature. The addition of gold promotes the catalytic performance, reducing the amount of oligomers formed on the catalyst's surface. A synergistic effect between copper and gold is also displayed. The bimetallic catalyst with Cu/Au ratio at 1/3 has both better conversion and selectivity between 160‐200 °C, providing the opportunities to lower the operating temperature (>200 °C) of copper. The synergy can be ascribed to the compromise of two factors: the electronic effect and the sintering resistance of bimetallic nanoparticles. Gold makes copper more electron‐deficient, therefore, enhances the conversion. Besides, the particles remain highly dispersed and small (ca. 3 nm) when large amount of gold reduces the ensemble size of copper on the surface, minimizing C‐C coupling reactions.
A Large Manganese‐doped Polyoxotitanate Nanocluster: Ti14MnO14(OH)2(OEt)28
Authors: Chen Yang , Sokolow Jesse , Trzop Elzbieta , Chen Yu‐Sheng , Coppens Philip
Published: May 2013

A large manganese‐doped polyoxotitanate nanocluster, Ti14MnO14(OH)2(OEt)28, has been synthesized under solvothermal conditions. Its structure is similar to previously reported Ti17O24(OiPr)20, but lacks 5‐fold coordinated Ti atoms which are potential binding sites for photosensitizer molecules. The Mn atom is located at the center of the Keggin structure with Ti‐O bond length indicative of Mn2+, a conclusion confirmed by NEXAFS measurements. Solid‐state band gap measurements of the complex show a significant decrease compared with undoped polyoxotitanate nanoclusters and anatase, indicating the potential of Mn‐doping for visible light photocatalysis.
Auroral Current and Electrodynamics Structure (ACES) observations of ionospheric feedback in the Alfvén resonator and model responses
Authors: Cohen I. J. , Lessard M. R. , Kaeppler S. R. , Bounds S. R. , Kletzing C. A. , Streltsov A. V. , LaBelle J. W. , Dombrowski M. P. , Jones S. L. , Pfaff R. F. , Rowland D. E. , Anderson B. J. , Korth H. , Gjerloev J. W.
Published: May 2013

The ACES‐High rocket, part of the Auroral Current and Electrodynamics Structure (ACES) mission launched from Poker Flat Research Range on 29 January 2009, obtained the first in situ measurements indicative of both of the observational characteristics associated with the ionospheric feedback instability as it flew through an auroral arc and its associated return current region. ACES‐High observed Alfvénic wave structures localized in areas of roughly 10 km near the boundaries of the return current region associated with the discrete auroral arc and increased electron density with a temperature characteristic of a cold ionosphere. This density enhancement is believed to be caused by the excavation of plasma from lower altitudes via the ponderomotive force produced by the ionospheric Alfvén resonator, as shown by Streltsov and Lotko (2008). While this density is lower than expected from simulations and other observations by as much as an order of magnitude, the ratio of the enhancement to the background density is in agreement with predictions. The observations made by ACES‐High agree with the model results by Streltsov and Lotko (2008) but show the localized wave structures only near the boundaries of the return current region and not throughout it. This can be explained by strong small‐scale magnetic field‐aligned currents that are generated by the interaction between the large‐scale downward current and the ionosphere at these boundaries. Finally, a new model, based on that by Streltsov and Marklund (2006), was run with only one downward current region and produced results very similar to the observations seen by ACES‐High.
Observation of F region irregularities near a northern equatorial anomaly crest during solar minimum using ionosonde, GPS receiver, and satellites
Authors: Lee C.‐C. , Chen W. S. , Chu F. D.
Published: May 2013

For solar minimum, the spread F, GPS phase fluctuations, and plasma bubbles near the crest of equatorial ionization anomaly (EIA) are simultaneously analyzed to investigate F region irregularities for the first time. The data were observed using the Chungli ionosonde, YMSM GPS receiver, and DMSP satellites during 1996. It is found that in the observed ionograms, the frequency spread F (FSF) usually comes after the range spread F (RSF) in a series of nighttime spread F events. This results in that the maximum occurrence of RSF appears before that of FSF in the nighttime variations in occurrence probabilities. Moreover, the seasonal variation for RSF is close to that for FSF. Both have a board maximum in the J‐months and a secondary maximum in December. These indicate that RSF and FSF should be regarded as one type of spread F, which is the all spread F (ASF) in this study. Because the equatorial plasma bubbles occur infrequently during solar minimum, the F region irregularities forming ASF are not related to the equatorial spread F. On the other hand, the similarity in seasonal occurrence between ASF and medium‐scale traveling ionospheric disturbances (MSTIDs) demonstrates that the F region irregularities near the EIA crest are mainly generated by the gradient drift instability driven by MSTIDs. The irregularities, generated by MSTIDs, mostly occur in the bottom side of the F region. Consequently, the events of significant GPS phase fluctuations and plasma bubble near the EIA crest are rare during 1996.
Use of the NucliSENS EasyQHPV assay in the management of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia
Authors: Oliveira Ana , Verdasca Nuno , Pista Ângela
Published: May 2013

Persistent infection by high‐risk human papillomavirus is a necessary cause for cervical cancer. DNA‐based human papillomavirus (HPV) assays show high sensitivity but poor specificity in detecting high‐grade cervical lesions. Assays detecting mRNA of the oncoproteins E6 and E7 show higher specificity but lack either detection of all high‐risk genotypes or the ability to specify the detected genotypes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical performance of the NucliSENS EasyQ HPV assay in comparison with the Hybrid Capture 2 test (HC2) and the CLART Human Papillomavirus 2 assay (CLART), using a clinical cut‐off of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse. In the 554 studied women, the lowest HPV positivity rate was detected for NucliSENS EasyQ HPV assay (55.1%), while HC2 and CLART showed similar results (HC2: 77.4%; CLART: 78.0%). In comparison with the other tests, the NucliSENS EasyQ HPV assay showed a lower clinical sensitivity (79.3% vs. 96.4% for HC2 and 95.9% for CLART) but a higher clinical specificity (72.6% vs. 42.8% for HC2 and 42.5% for CLART). Detection of E6/E7 mRNA transcripts may provide a higher specificity for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 lesions or worse, since the oncogenic potential of HPV infection depends on the over‐expression of these two oncoproteins. J. Med. Virol. 85:1235–1241, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Serum prolactin levels and prolactin mRNA expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Ishii Rika , Saito Takafumi , Shao Li , Okumoto Kazuo , Nishise Yuko , Watanabe Hisayoshi , Makino Naohiko , Fukao Akira , Kitanaka Chifumi , Kayama Takamasa , Ueno Yoshiyuki , Kawata Sumio
Published: May 2013

Prolactin is not only a pituitary hormone but an immunoregulatory hormone secreted from lymphocytes. Prolactin induction in relation to hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has not been elucidated. The serum levels of prolactin were examined in 232 HCV‐infected subjects positive for anti‐HCV antibody and 65 healthy controls negative for it, who were recruited in the cohort study. The prolactin mRNAs were measured in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of eleven healthy volunteers including five men and six women before and after stimulation by HCV in vitro. The serum level of prolactin and prolactin mRNA in PBMCs were measured by chemiluminescence immunoassay and real‐time PCR, respectively. The serum levels of prolactin were significantly higher in the HCV‐infected subjects (median: 7.5, IQR: 5.7–10.9 ng/ml) than in the controls (median: 5.6, IQR: 4.4–8.3 ng/ml) (P < 0.01). They were significantly higher in HCV‐infected males (median: 8.0, IQR: 5.9–11.8 ng/ml) than in the controls (median: 4.8, IQR: 4.2–5.9 ng/ml) (P < 0.001), however, the difference was not significant between HCV‐infected females (median: 7.3, IQR: 5.6–10.5 ng/ml) and the controls (median: 6.4, IQR: 5.3–9.8 ng/ml). The mRNA expression of prolactin was induced in PBMCs of all males, but it was induced in PBMCs of the two of six females examined in vitro. These results suggest that the serum level of prolactin is higher in HCV‐infected males than in healthy males, and that HCV infection induces the mRNA expression of prolactin in PBMCs that is more apparent in male than in females. J. Med. Virol. 85:1199–1205, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Frequency of enterovirus detection in blood samples of neonates admitted to hospital with sepsis‐like illness in Kuwait
Authors: Ahmad Suhail , Dalwai Ajmal , Al‐Nakib Widad
Published: May 2013

This study investigated the role of enteroviruses in sepsis‐like illness among neonates in Kuwait. Serum samples from 139 consecutive neonates presenting with sepsis‐like illness during a three and a half‐year‐period whose blood cultures were negative for bacterial pathogens were tested. Enterovirus RNA was detected by single‐step reverse‐transcription PCR (RT‐PCR). Specific genotypes were identified by direct DNA sequencing of enteroviral genome. Serotype‐specific antibodies in serum samples from some selected patients were detected by virus neutralization test using coxsackievirus B types (CBVs). All 139 neonates presented with sepsis‐like illness and blood samples were uniformly negative for aerobic/anaerobic bacterial cultures. Fifty‐six (40%) neonates had further complications of sepsis including carditis (n = 34) and multi‐organ involvement (n = 22). Enterovirus RNA was detected by RT‐PCR in 34 of 139 (24%) serum samples which is among the highest frequency reported so far in non‐epidemic settings. Genotyping identified CBVs as most common enteroviruses, causing 19 of 34 (56%) enteroviral sepsis episodes in neonates. Of 34 carditis cases, 18 were positive for CBVs by serotyping including all 10 enterovirus RNA‐positive samples. Only one fatality was observed due to liver failure in a neonate with hepatitis. Our data showed that enteroviruses are responsible for 24% of neonatal sepsis cases due to non‐bacterial causes in Kuwait. The data indicate that enteroviruses should be considered in the differential diagnosis of sepsis‐like illness among neonates, particularly those with negative blood cultures for bacterial pathogens. J. Med. Virol. 85:1280–1285, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Changes in methane emission, rumen fermentation, and methanogenic community in response to silage and dry cornstalk diets
Authors: Chong Liu , Zhuping Zhu , Tongjun Guo , Yongming Luo , Hongmin Dong
Published: May 2013

This study aimed to investigate the effect of silage or dry cornstalk diets on methane emission, rumen fermentation, and methanogenic community, and reveal whether the change of methanogenic compositions was related to the methane production. A total of 39 sheep were divided into four groups, fed diets of different concentrate level based on silage or dry cornstalk roughage for 40 days. It was found that, at 20% concentrate level, the sheep fed silage could suppress methanogenesis significantly in contrast with the silage diet (p < 0.05). The ruminal acetate:propionate ratio was 3.17 in the silage‐fed sheep significantly lower than 3.78 in the dry cornstalk‐fed sheep (p < 0.05), reflecting the effect of fermentation on methane output was related to roughage types. Furthermore, the methanogens was found to be significantly lower abundance (p < 0.05), and showed a different pattern using multivariate statistical analysis in silage‐fed sheep. Compared with dry cornstalk diet, silage diet of 20% concentrate reduced methane production, decreased methanogenic abundance, and induced change of Methanobrevibacter composition at strain levels. This study showed variation of methanogenic compositions at strain level and its probable relationship with methane production, and provided microbial information to explain the low methane output when the animals were fed silage.
Simultaneous measurements of fuel vapor concentration and temperature in a flash‐boiling propane jet using laser‐induced gratings
Authors: Roshani B. , Flügel A. , Schmitz I. , Kozlov D. N. , Seeger T. , Zigan L. , Kiefer J. , Leipertz A.
Published: May 2013

To enhance the efficiency of direct injection engines, the understanding of the combustible mixture formation after a liquid fuel spray is injected is crucial; hence, the need is readily apparent for experimental methods that allow determining characteristic parameters such as fuel/air ratio and gas temperature. The paper demonstrates the potential of the laser‐induced grating technique to determine simultaneously the local vapor phase fuel concentration and the temperature during the temporal evolution of a direct‐injected spray. The precision and the accuracy of the experimental approach and of the applied data treatment procedure were evaluated by using calibration measurements in a constant volume cell under known stationary conditions. The test measurements of fuel vapor concentration and gas temperature were carried out in an injection chamber using a high‐pressure swirl injector. Liquid propane as the main component of liquefied petroleum gas was directly injected into the chamber under flash‐boiling conditions. Injection and ambient pressure were varied, whereas fuel and ambient temperature remained constant. The measurements were performed inside the fuel jet at different distances from the injector outlet along the axis of propane injection. The results are indicative of small evaporative cooling of the gas in the jet. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Raman spectroscopy of very small Cd1−xCoxS quantum dots grown by a novel protocol: direct observation of acoustic‐optical phonon coupling
Authors: Freitas Neto E. S. , Silva A. C. A. , da Silva S. W. , Morais P. C. , Gómez J. A. , Baffa O. , Dantas N. O.
Published: May 2013

Glass‐embedded Cd1−xCoxS quantum dots (QDs) with mean radius of R ≈ 1.70 nm were successfully synthesized by a novel protocol on the basis of the melting‐nucleation synthesis route and herein investigated by several experimental techniques. Incorporation of Co2+ions into the QD lattice was evidenced by X‐ray diffraction and magnetic force microscopy results. Optical absorption features with irregular spacing in the ligand field region confirmed that the majority of the incorporated Co2+ions are under influence of a low‐symmetry crystal field located near to the Cd1−xCoxS QD surface. Electron paramagnetic resonance data confirmed the presence of Co2+ions in a highly inhomogeneous crystal field environment identified at the interface between the hosting glass matrix (amorphous) and the crystalline QD. The acoustic‐optical phonon coupling in the Cd1−xCoxS QDs (x ≠ 0.000) was directly observed by Raman measurements, which have shown a high‐frequency shoulder of the longitudinal optical phonon peak. This effect is tuned by the size‐dependent sp‐d exchange interaction due to the magnetic doping, causing variations in the coupling between electrons and longitudinal optical phonon. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The cost of vocal fold paralysis after thyroidectomy
Authors: Gardner Glendon Michael , Smith Matthew Michael , Yaremchuk Kathleen Lynn , Peterson Ed Lawrence
Published: May 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

To determine the added cost of care and analyze risk factors in patients who suffered vocal fold paralysis (VFP) after thyroid surgery.

Study design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

Seventy‐six patients who developed unilateral or bilateral VFP after thyroidectomy from 2005 through 2009, and a control group of 238 patients who underwent the same surgery without developing VFP, were compared on hospital charges, hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS), unplanned intubation, tracheotomies, respiratory failure, readmission, death, pathology, body mass index (BMI), gland weight, swallowing studies, and need for indwelling feeding tube. Differences between outcomes for unilateral VFP patients versus bilateral VFP patients were analyzed. Rate of recovery of VFP and need for further surgery after thyroidectomy were described.

Results

Patients who developed VFP after thyroidectomy had significantly greater rates of all the parameters listed above. BMI, gland weight, and pathology (malignant vs. benign) were not significantly different between the two groups. VFP group underwent additional surgeries after thyroidectomy related to the VFP. Thirty‐three% of unilateral VFP patients with long‐term follow‐up recovered fully. Patients with bilateral VFP with long‐term follow‐up, had recovery of one vocal fold in 50% and both in 23% of cases.

Conclusions

Patients with unilateral or bilateral VFP after thyroidectomy experience significantly more morbidity and incurred significantly more health care charges after surgery than similar patients who do not have VFP after thyroidectomy. The likelihood of VFP was not related to malignancy, BMI, or thyroid gland weight in this series.
Incorporation of Poly[(R)‐3‐hydroxybutyrate] into Cationic Copolymers Based on Poly(2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) to Improve Gene Delivery
Authors: Loh Xian Jun , Ong Shi Jie , Tung Yin Ting , Choo Hoi Teng
Published: May 2013

The synthesis and gene transfection efficiency of a series of novel amphiphilic triblock copolymers with two hydrophilic poly(2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (DMAEMA) blocks flanking a central hydrophobic poly[(R)‐3‐hydroxybutyrate] (PHB) block is reported. These copolymers have significantly lower toxicity compared to the polyethyleneimine (PEI) and PDMAEMA homopolymer. Unexpectedly, the incorporation of PHB significantly improves the gene transfection efficiency as compared to PEI or PDMAEMA homopolymers.
Self‐Assembly of Near‐Monodisperse Redox‐Sensitive Micelles from Cholesterol‐Conjugated Biomimetic Copolymers
Authors: Wang Yin , Wang Haibo , Liu Gongyan , Liu Xiangsheng , Jin Qiao , Ji Jian
Published: May 2013

Poly(D,L‐lactide)‐SS‐poly(2‐methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) block copolymers conjugated with cholesterol are synthesized by ROP and ATRP using a novel kind of double‐dead initiator. This facile strategy not only can endue block copolymers with disulfide bonds, but can also overcome the disadvantages inherent in the synthesis procedure for the copolymers. The resultant biomimetic copolymers can self‐assemble into near‐monodisperse micelles. Subsequently, they are used as a carrier to encapsulate a hydrophobic dye, and the release can be triggered by a redox reagent, dithiothreitol. MTT study shows that the as‐prepared micelles has good biocompatibility to both normal and cancer cells. These properties indicate that these micelles may be used as promising drug delivery vehicles.
Using MODE to explore the spatial and temporal characteristics of cloud cover forecasts from high‐resolution NWP models
Authors: Mittermaier M. P. , Bullock R.
Published: May 2013

Cloud forecasts pose a particularly difficult challenge to verification through the three‐dimensional structure of cloud. Two‐dimensional total cloud forecasts from one convection‐permitting and one near‐convection‐resolving Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) model are compared to a cloud analysis using the Method for Object‐based Diagnostic Evaluation (MODE) and MODE Time Domain (TD) which is currently being developed to also consider the time dimension. This study attempts to quantify the spatial and temporal evolution of specifically persistent (static) and systematic cloud scenarios where the cloud boundaries change only slowly. These scenarios can lead to significant cloud and temperature errors if the locations of these boundaries are not well forecast. MODE and MODE TD are used to identify and compare the number of cloud free objects, their evolution over time in terms of area or volume. The results show that including the time dimension provides a different perspective to the assessment, but that the choice of method‐specific parameters is critical for enabling the matching of time objects. Crucially, model‐relative behaviour can be isolated, and the specific characteristics of the cloud analyses are also quantifiable, and need to be accounted for when interpreting results. Copyright © 2013 Royal Meteorological Society and British Crown copyright, the Met Office
15N NMR of 1,4‐dihydropyridine derivatives
Authors: Goba Inguna , Liepinsh Edvards
Published: May 2013

In this article, we describe the characteristic 15N and 1HN NMR chemical shifts and 1J(15N–1H) coupling constants of various symmetrically and unsymmetrically substituted 1,4‐dihydropyridine derivatives. The NMR chemical shifts and coupling constants are discussed in terms of their relationship to structural features such as character and position of the substituent in heterocycle, N‐alkyl substitution, nitrogen lone pair delocalization within the conjugated system, and steric effects. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Experimental and theoretical study of the intramolecular C–H···N and C–H···S hydrogen bonding effects in the1H and13C NMR spectra of the 2‐(alkylsulfanyl)‐5‐amino‐1‐vinylpyrroles: a particular state of amine nitrogen
Authors: Afonin Andrei V. , Pavlov Dmitry V. , Albanov Alexander I. , Tarasova Ol'ga A. , Nedolya Nina A.
Published: May 2013

In the1H NMR spectra of the 1‐vinylpyrroles with amino‐ and alkylsulfanyl groups in 5 and 2 positions, an extraordinarily large difference between resonance positions of the HAand HBterminal methylene protons of the vinyl group is discovered. Also, the one‐bond1J(Cβ,HB) coupling constant is surprisingly greater than the1J(Cβ,HA) coupling constant in pyrroles under investigation, while in all known cases, there was a reverse relationship between these coupling constants. These spectral anomalies are substantiated by quantum chemical calculations. The calculations show that the amine nitrogen lone pair is removed from the conjugation with theπ‐system of the pyrrole ring so that it is directed toward the HBhydrogen. These factors are favorable to the emergence of the intramolecular C–HB•••N hydrogen bonding in the s‐cis(N) conformation. On the other hand, the spatial proximity of the sulfur to the HBhydrogen provides an opportunity of the intramolecular C–HB•••S hydrogen bonding in the s‐cis(S) conformation. Presence of the hydrogen bond critical points as well as ring critical point for corresponding chelate ring revealed by a quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) approach confirms the existence of the weak intramolecular C–H•••N and C–H•••S hydrogen bonding. Therefore, an unusual high‐frequency shift of the HBsignal and the increase in the1J(Cβ,HB) coupling constant can be explained by the effects of hydrogen bonding. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.