bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ChemInform Abstract: [60]Fullerene‐Containing Thermotropic Liquid Crystals
Authors: Guillon Daniel , Donnio Bertrand , Deschenaux Robert
Published: March 2013

Review: 80 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Bioinspired Supramolecular Materials
Authors: Ikeda Masato
Published: March 2013

Review: [126 refs.]
ChemInform Abstract: Heterocycles as Nonclassical Bioisosteres of α‐Amino Acids
Authors: Poulie Christian B. M. , Bunch Lennart
Published: March 2013

Review: 58 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Dye‐Sensitized TiO2 Nanotube Solar Cells: Rational Structural and Surface Engineering on TiO2 Nanotubes.
Authors: Wang Jun , Lin Zhiqun
Published: March 2013

Review: 21 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Computational Organic Chemistry
Authors: Bachrach Steven M.
Published: March 2013

Review: 65 refs.
Development and Validation of a Method for the Analysis of Paroxetine HCl by Circular Dichroism
Authors: do Monte Zenaide S. , Ramos Clécio S.
Published: March 2013

A simple, rapid, and sensitive method for the analysis of paroxetine, in tablets as well as the pure drug, by circular dichroism is described. The method was validated for repeatability, linearity, limit of detection, limit of quantification, and recovery according to the International Conference on Harmonization guidelines. Excellent results were obtained, within the globally accepted validation reference values, particularly taking into account the low concentration levels investigated. This is the first report of the quantitation of paroxetine, a chiral drug, without previous separation of the analyte. Additionally, the solid state CD spectrum of PXT was obtained. Chirality 25:211–214, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Organizational Learning Capability: Theoretical Analysis and Empirical Study in the Context of Official Development Aid Project Teams
Authors: Mbengue Ababacar , Sané Seydou
Published: March 2013

Although several studies have investigated Organizational Learning Capability (OLC), the question of its operationalization remains open. We review the OLC concept, analyze its relationship to Organizational Learning (OL), and assess the validity of its operationalization through three models (formative, reflexive, mixed). While part of the literature states that OLC has five dimensions (experimentation, risk taking, dialogue, interaction with stakeholders, and participation in decision making), our exploratory study of 41 Official Development Aid projects suggests the existence of an important sixth dimension for OLC: autonomy vis‐à‐vis the national supervisor. The theoretical and practical implications of this finding are then discussed. Copyright © 2013 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tricuspid Regurgitation in Patients With Pacemakers and Implantable Cardiac Defibrillators: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Al‐Bawardy Rasha , Krishnaswamy Amar , Bhargava Mandeep , Dunn Justin , Wazni Oussama , Murat Tuzcu E. , Stewart William , Kapadia Samir R.
Published: March 2013

Implantable cardiac devices, including defibrillators and pacemakers, may be the cause of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) or may worsen existing TR. This review of the literature suggests that TR usually occurs over time after lead implantation. Diagnosis by clinical exam and 2‐dimensional echocardiography may be augmented by 3‐dimensional echocardiography and/or computed tomography. The mechanism may be mechanical perforation or laceration of leaflets, scarring and restriction of leaflets, or asynchronized activation of the right ventricle. Pacemaker‐related TR might cause severe right‐sided heart failure, but data regarding associated mortality are lacking. This comprehensive review summarizes the data regarding incidence, mechanism, and treatment of lead‐related TR.
Spectroscopic Analysis of Two Distinct Equilibrium States for the Exchange Reaction of Sodium Cholate and Oligo‐DNA on Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Kato Yuichi , Niidome Yasuro , Nakashima Naotoshi
Published: March 2013

Understanding the quantitative analysis of the transition adsorption structures of molecules on single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) is of importance from the point of view of both fundamental science and applications of nanotubes. Absorption spectroscopy reveals that two different equilibrium states are existent for the exchange reaction of sodium cholate (SC) and oligo‐DNA (single‐stranded 20‐mer cytosine) on SWNTs. This is derived from the transitions of the adsorption structures of different chirality‐types of SWNTs and SC/DNA at certain SC concentrations below the critical micelle concentration of SC.
Surface Properties of Anatase TiO2 Nanowire Films Grown from a Fluoride‐Containing Solution
Authors: Berger Thomas , Anta Juan A. , Morales‐Flórez Víctor
Published: March 2013

Controlling the surface chemistry of nucleating seeds during wet‐chemical synthesis allows for the preparation of morphologically well‐defined nanostructures. Synthesis conditions play a key role in the surface properties, which directly affect the functional properties of the material. Therefore, it is important to establish post‐synthesis treatments to facilitate the optimization of surface properties with respect to a specific application, without losing the morphological peculiarity of the nanostructure. We studied the surface properties of highly crystalline and porous anatase TiO2 nanowire (NW) electrodes, grown by chemical‐bath deposition in fluoride‐containing solutions, using a combined electrochemical and spectroscopic approach. As‐deposited films showed low capacity for catechol adsorption and a poor photoelectrocatalytic activity for water oxidation. Mild thermal annealing at 200 °C resulted in a significant improvement of the electrode photoelectrocatalytic activity, whereas the bulk properties of the NWs (crystal structure, band‐gap energy) remained unchanged. Enhancement of the functional properties of the material is discussed on the basis of adsorption capacity and electronic properties. The temperature‐induced decrease of recombination centers, along with the concomitant increase of adsorption and reaction sites upon thermal annealing are called to be responsible for such improved performance.
Complement opsonization of HIV‐1 results in a different intracellular processing pattern and enhanced MHC class I presentation by dendritic cells
Authors: Tjomsland Veronica , Ellegård Rada , Burgener Adam , Mogk Kenzie , Che Karlhans F. , Westmacott Garrett , Hinkula Jorma , Lifson Jeffrey D. , Larsson Marie
Published: March 2013

Induction of optimal HIV‐1‐specific T‐cell responses, which can contribute to controlling viral infection in vivo, depends on antigen processing and presentation processes occurring in DCs. Opsonization can influence the routing of antigen processing and pathways used for presentation. We studied antigen proteolysis and the role of endocytic receptors in MHC class I (MHCI) and II (MHCII) presentation of antigens derived from HIV‐1 in human monocyte‐derived immature DCs (IDCs) and mature DCs, comparing free and complement opsonized HIV‐1 particles. Opsonization of virions promoted MHCI presentation by DCs, indicating that complement opsonization routes more virions toward the MHCI presentation pathway. Blockade of macrophage mannose receptor (MMR) and β7‐integrin enhanced MHCI and MHCII presentation by IDCs and mature DCs, whereas the block of complement receptor 3 decreased MHCI and MHCII presentation. In addition, we found that IDC and MDC proteolytic activities were modulated by HIV‐1 exposure; complement‐opsonized HIV‐1 induced an increased proteasome activity in IDCs. Taken together, these findings indicate that endocytic receptors such as MMR, complement receptor 3, and β7‐integrin can promote or disfavor antigen presentation probably by routing HIV‐1 into different endosomal compartments with distinct efficiencies for degradation of viral antigens and MHCI and MHCII presentation, and that HIV‐1 affects the antigen‐processing machinery.
Efficiently stimulated adult microglia cross‐prime naive CD8+T cells injected in the brain
Authors: Jarry Ulrich , Jeannin Pascale , Pineau Laurent , Donnou Sabrina , Delneste Yves , Couez Dominique
Published: March 2013

Microglia are the major myeloid‐immune cells of the brain parenchyma. In a steady state, microglia monitor their environment for pathogens or damaged cells. In response to neural injury or inflammation, microglia become competent APCs able to prime CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes. We previously demonstrated that neonatal and adult microglia cross‐present exogenous soluble Ags in vitro. However, whether microglia are able to cross‐present Ag to naive CD8+ T cells in vivo, within the brain microenvironment, remains undetermined. Here, we have designed an original protocol in order to exclude the involvement in cross‐presentation activity of peripheral migrating APCs and of CNS‐associated APCs. In C57Bl/6 mice, in which the body but not the head has been properly irradiated, we analyzed the ability of resident microglia to stimulate intracerebrally injected CD8+ T cells in vivo. This study demonstrates for the first time that adult microglia cross‐present Ag to naive CD8+ T cells in vivo and that full microglia activation is required to overcome the inhibitory constrains of the brain and to render microglia able to cross‐prime naive CD8+ T cells injected in the brain. These observations offer new insights in brain‐tumor immunotherapy based on the induction of cytotoxic antitumoral T cells.
Jagged2‐signaling promotes IL‐6‐dependent transplant rejection
Authors: Riella Leonardo V. , Yang Jun , Chock Susanne , Safa Kassem , Magee Ciara N. , Vanguri Vijay , Elyaman Wassim , Lahoud Youmna , Yagita Hideo , Abdi Reza , Najafian Nader , Medina‐Pestana José O. , Chandraker Anil
Published: March 2013

The Notch pathway is an important intercellular signaling pathway that plays a major role in controlling cell fate. Accumulating evidence indicates that Notch and its ligands present on antigen‐presenting cells might be important mediators of T helper cell differentiation. In this study, we investigated the role of Jagged2 in murine cardiac transplantation by using a signaling Jagged2 mAb (Jag2) that activates recombinant signal‐binding protein‐Jκ. While administration of Jag2 mAb had little effect on graft survival in the fully allogeneic mismatched model BALB/c→B6, it hastened rejection in CD28‐deficient recipients. Similarly, Jag2 precipitated rejection in the bm12→B6 model. In this MHC class II‐mismatched model, allografts spontaneously survive for >56 days due to the emergence of Treg cells that inhibit the expansion of alloreactive T cells. The accelerated rejection was associated with upregulation of Th2 cytokines and proinflammatory cytokine IL‐6, despite expansion of Treg cells. Incubation of Treg cells with recombinant IL‐6 abrogated their inhibitory effects in vitro. Furthermore, neutralization of IL‐6 in vivo protected Jag2‐treated recipients from rejection and Jagged2 signaling was unable to further accelerate rejection in the absence of Treg cells. Our findings therefore suggest that Jagged2 signaling can affect graft acceptance by upregulation of IL‐6 and consequent resistance to Treg‐cell suppression.
Janus kinases 1 and 2 regulate chemokine‐mediated integrin activation and naïve T‐cell homing
Authors: Pérez‐Rivero Gema , Cascio Graciela , Soriano Silvia Fernández , Sanz Álvaro Gil , de Guinoa Julia Sáez , Rodríguez‐Frade José Miguel , Gomariz Rosa P. , Holgado Borja L. , Cabañas Carlos , Carrasco Yolanda R. , Stein Jens V. , Mellado Mario
Published: March 2013

Janus kinases (JAKs) are central signaling molecules in cytokine receptor cascades. Although they have also been implicated in chemokine receptor signaling, this function continues to be debated. To address this issue, we established a nucleofection model in primary, nonactivated mouse T lymphocytes to silence JAK expression and to evaluate the ability of these cells to home to lymph nodes. Reduced JAK1 and JAK2 expression impaired naïve T‐cell migration in response to gradients of the chemokines CXCL12 and CCL21. In vivo homing of JAK1/JAK2‐deficient cells to lymph nodes decreased, whereas intranodal localization and motility were unaffected. JAK1 and JAK2 defects altered CXCL12‐ and CCL21‐triggered ezrin/radixin/moesin (ERM) dephosphorylation and F‐actin polymerization, as well as activation of lymphocyte function‐associated Ag‐1 and very late Ag‐4 integrins. As a result, the cells did not adhere firmly to integrin substrates in response to these chemokines. The results demonstrate that JAK1/JAK2 participate in chemokine‐induced integrin activation and might be considered a target for modulation of immune cell extravasation and therefore, control of inflammatory reactions.
Sweeping of alprenolol enantiomers with an organic solvent and sulfated β‐cyclodextrin in capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Rabanes Heide R. , Quirino Joselito P.
Published: March 2013

Sweeping, an on‐line sample concentration technique in CE, is the picking and accumulation of analytes by the pseudostationary phase or complexing additive. In the presence of an electric field, the analytes concentrated at the additive front that initially penetrated the sample zone. Here, we describe the sweeping of cationic alprenolol enantiomers using sulfated β‐CD and organic solvent. The separation solution contained the anionic additive while ACN was in the sample solution. With fused silica capillaries, positive polarity, and solutions buffered at pH 3, the direction of the enantiomers' effective electrophoretic mobility was the same as the electrophoretic mobility (or electrophoretic mobility without additive). When the amount of ACN in the sample was increased (i.e. 60%), the interaction between the analytes and additive became negligible. This caused the sweeping boundary to shift from the electrophoretically moving β‐CD front to the zone between the sample and separation solution. The equation that described the narrowing of injected sample zone was derived. The performance of sweeping with 60% ACN in the sample was then studied under different operating conditions (e.g. type of injection, injection time, and CD concentration). The low interaction between enantiomers and additive gave only moderate increases in sensitivity (approximately tenfold), but was improved when field enhancement was used during electrokinetic injection. With a conductivity difference (separation/sample solution) of 70 and a short injection time of 30 s at 20 kV, peak improvements of >100‐fold was easily achieved.
Adjusted Sequence Kernel Association Test for Rare Variants Controlling for Cryptic and Family Relatedness
Authors: Oualkacha Karim , Dastani Zari , Li Rui , Cingolani Pablo E. , Spector Timothy D. , Hammond Christopher J. , Richards J. Brent , Ciampi Antonio , Greenwood Celia M. T.
Published: March 2013

Recent progress in sequencing technologies makes it possible to identify rare and unique variants that may be associated with complex traits. However, the results of such efforts depend crucially on the use of efficient statistical methods and study designs. Although family‐based designs might enrich a data set for familial rare disease variants, most existing rare variant association approaches assume independence of all individuals. We introduce here a framework for association testing of rare variants in family‐based designs. This framework is an adaptation of the sequence kernel association test (SKAT) which allows us to control for family structure. Our adjusted SKAT (ASKAT) combines the SKAT approach and the factored spectrally transformed linear mixed models (FaST‐LMMs) algorithm to capture family effects based on a LMM incorporating the realized proportion of the genome that is identical by descent between pairs of individuals, and using restricted maximum likelihood methods for estimation. In simulation studies, we evaluated type I error and power of this proposed method and we showed that regardless of the level of the trait heritability, our approach has good control of type I error and good power. Since our approach uses FaST‐LMM to calculate variance components for the proposed mixed model, ASKAT is reasonably fast and can analyze hundreds of thousands of markers. Data from the UK twins consortium are presented to illustrate the ASKAT methodology.
Characterizing groundwater flow and heat transport in fractured rock using fiber‐optic distributed temperature sensing
Authors: Read T. , Bour O. , Bense V. , Le Borgne T. , Goderniaux P. , Klepikova M.V. , Hochreutener R. , Lavenant N. , Boschero V.
Published: March 2013

We show how fully distributed space‐time measurements with Fiber‐Optic Distributed Temperature Sensing (FO‐DTS) can be used to investigate groundwater flow and heat transport in fractured media. Heat injection experiments are combined with temperature measurements along fiber‐optic cables installed in boreholes. Thermal dilution tests are shown to enable detection of cross‐flowing fractures and quantification of the cross flow rate. A cross borehole thermal tracer test is then analyzed to identify fracture zones that are in hydraulic connection between boreholes and to estimate spatially distributed temperature breakthrough in each fracture zone. This provides a significant improvement compared to classical tracer tests, for which concentration data are usually integrated over the whole abstraction borehole. However, despite providing some complementary results, we find that the main contributive fracture for heat transport is different to that for a solute tracer.
Atmospheric temperature changes over the 20th century at very high elevations in the European Alps from englacial temperatures
Authors: Gilbert A. , Vincent C.
Published: March 2013

Given the paucity of observations, a great deal of uncertainty remains concerning temperature changes at very high altitudes over the last century. Englacial temperature measurements performed in boreholes provide a very good indicator of atmospheric temperatures for very high elevations although they are not directly related to air temperatures. Temperature profiles from seven deep boreholes drilled at three different sites between 4240 and 4300 m above sea level in the Mont Blanc area (French Alps) have been analyzed using a heat flow model and a Bayesian inverse modeling approach. Atmospheric temperature changes over the last century were estimated by simultaneous inversion of these temperature profiles. A mean warming rate of 0.14°C/decade between 1900 and 2004 was found. This is similar to the observed regional low altitude trend in the northwestern Alps, suggesting that air temperature trends are not altitude dependent.
Oscillatory flow braking in the magnetotail: THEMIS statistics
Authors: Panov Evgeny V. , Kubyshkina Marina V. , Nakamura Rumi , Baumjohann Wolfgang , Angelopoulos Vassilis , Sergeev Victor A. , Petrukovich Anatoli A.
Published: March 2013

Using 25 observations of damped oscillatory flow behavior in the near‐Earth plasma sheet by the five THEMIS probes during the 2008–2009 magnetotail seasons, we derive the parameters of an oscillating thin filament, such as its oscillation period, damping factor, and entropy. To facilitate comparison with theory, we use measured pressures and magnetic fields with an empirical model to achieve a quantitative representation of the overall structure of the plasma sheet during each event. Because the observed oscillation period of the filament agrees with the oscillation period predicted by Wolf et al. (2012), the observed damped oscillatory flow behavior in the near‐Earth plasma sheet is most likely caused by oscillatory braking of the filament.
Sprites in low‐frequency radio noise
Authors: Füllekrug Martin , Mezentsev Andrew , Soula Serge , van der Velde Oscar , Farges Thomas
Published: March 2013

Low‐frequency radio noise is the electromagnetic background radiation which is compared here to the luminosity of 39 sprites recorded with a low‐light video camera. It is found that the sprite luminosities coincide with ∼10–30 ms long sudden enhancements of the electromagnetic background radiation ∼6–8 μV m−1Hz−1/2(∼6–9 dB) with a relative maximum near ∼125 kHz as measured with a wideband (∼1–400 kHz) digital radio receiver. The sprites cluster in 10 groups of 2–5 consecutive sprites which are paralleled by up to ∼1 s long slowly varying enhancements of the electromagnetic background radiation ∼4–5 μV m−1Hz−1/2(∼2–4 dB). The observed electric field strengths place an upper bound on the low‐frequency radiation from the electron multiplication associated with the exponential growth and branching sprite streamers predicted by Qin et al. [2012a]. This upper bound corresponds to a maximum of ∼300–5000 sprite streamers at ∼40 km height above thunderclouds. Some part of the observed electromagnetic background radiation might result from the superposition of low‐frequency radiation emanating from the quick succession of numerous horizontal lightning strokes and/or stepped leaders inside thunderclouds which would constitute a fundamentally novel quasi‐static discharge process inside thunderclouds radiating slowly varying low frequency radio noise.
Human Resource Management, Employee Exchange Relationships, and Performance in Small Businesses
Authors: Allen Mathew R. , Ericksen Jeff , Collins Christopher J.
Published: March 2013

In this study, the authors examine the effects of commitment‐based human resource management practices on the performance of small businesses. These effects are examined through the mediators of employee involvement and quit rates. In addition, they contribute to arguments that the effect of human resource management practices on performance takes place through the establishment and support of exchange relationships with employees. Using responses from CEOs and employees of small businesses, their results indicate that human resource practices in small businesses that are based on leaders' views of employee commitment are positively related to revenue growth and perceptions of performance. Further, the authors found that employee involvement and quit rates mediate these relationships.
Influence of the surface coating on the cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and uptake of gold nanoparticles in human HepG2 cells
Authors: Fraga Sónia , Faria Helena , Soares Maria Elisa , Duarte José Alberto , Soares Leonor , Pereira Eulália , Costa‐Pereira Cristiana , Teixeira João Paulo , de Lourdes Bastos Maria , Carmo Helena
Published: March 2013

The toxicological profile of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) remains controversial. Significant efforts to develop surface coatings to improve biocompatibility have been carried out. In vivo biodistribution studies have shown that the liver is a target for AuNPs accumulation. Therefore, we investigated the effects induced by ~20 nm spherical AuNPs (0–200 μM Au) with two surface coatings, citrate (Cit) compared with 11‐mercaptoundecanoic acid (11‐MUA), in human liver HepG2 cells. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using the 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) reduction and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assays after 24 to 72 h of incubation. DNA damage was assessed by the comet assay, 24 h after incubation with the capped AuNPs. Uptake and subcellular distribution of the tested AuNPs was evaluated by quantifying the gold intracellular content by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), respectively. The obtained results indicate that both differently coated AuNPs did not induce significant cytotoxicity. An inverse concentration‐dependent increase in comet tail intensity and tail moment was observed in Cit‐AuNPs‐ but not in MUA‐AuNPs‐exposed cells. Both AuNPs were internalized in a concentration‐dependent manner. However, no differences were found in the extent of the internalization between the two types of NPs. Electron‐dense deposits of agglomerates of Cit‐ and MUA‐AuNPs were observed either inside endosomes or in the intercellular spaces. In spite of the absence of cytotoxicity, DNA damage was observed after exposure to the lower concentrations of Cit‐ but not to MUA‐AuNPs. Thus, our data supports the importance of the surface properties to increase the biocompatibility and safety of AuNPs. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparing biocompatibility of gingival fibroblasts and bacterial strains on a different modified titanium discs
Authors: Franková Jana , Pivodová Veronika , Růžička Filip , Tománková Kateřina , Šafářová Klára , Vrbková Jana , Ulrichová Jitka
Published: March 2013

The modification of implant surface situated in the area of peri‐implant sulcus has important role in bacterial and cell adhesion. Six different chemically and physically modified titanium discs were prepared: glazed (Tis‐MALP), unglazed (Tis‐O), unglazed and alkali‐etched (Tis‐OA), unglazed and coated with ZrN (Tis‐OZ), unglazed, sand blasted, and acid etched (Tis‐OPAE), and unglazed, sand blasted, acid, and alkali etched (Tis‐OPAAE). Analysis of surface topography was determined using scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Biocompatibility of gingival fibroblasts was characterized by the production of tumor necrosis factor alpha, collagen I, matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP‐2) after 24 and 72 h and expression of α3β1 integrin and vinculin using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or modified ELISA after 6 and 24 h. Microorganism adhesion (five bacterial strains) and biofilm formation was also evaluated. The adhesion of bacteria and gingival fibroblasts was significantly higher on titanium disc Tis‐OPAAE and biofilm formation on the same surface for Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus gordonii, and Streptococcus intermedius. The gingival fibroblasts on Tis‐OPAAE disc had also significantly lower production of MMP‐2. The collagen production was significantly lower on all surfaces with roughness higher than 0.2 μm. This study confirmed that the titanium disc with the surface roughness 3.39 μm (Tis‐OPAAE) supported the adhesion of bacterial strains as well as gingival fibroblasts. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 101A;2915–2924, 2013.
Impregnation of β‐tricalcium phosphate robocast scaffolds by in situ polymerization
Authors: Martínez‐Vázquez Francisco J. , Perera Fidel H. , Meulen Inge van der , Heise Andreas , Pajares Antonia , Miranda Pedro
Published: March 2013

Ring‐opening polymerization of ε‐caprolactone (ε‐CL) and L‐lactide (LLA) was performed to impregnate β‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP) scaffolds fabricated by robocasting. Concentrated colloidal inks prepared from β‐TCP commercial powders were used to fabricate porous structures consisting of a 3D mesh of interpenetrating rods. ε‐CL and LLA were in situ polymerized within the ceramic structure by using a lipase and stannous octanoate, respectively, as catalysts. The results show that both the macropores inside the ceramic mesh and the micropores within the ceramic rods are full of polymer in either case. The mechanical properties of scaffolds impregnated by in situ polymerization (ISP) are significantly increased over those of the bare structures, exhibiting similar values than those obtained by other, more aggressive, impregnation methods such as melt‐immersion (MI). ISP using enzymatic catalysts requires a reduced processing temperature which could facilitate the incorporation of growth factors and other drugs into the polymer composition, thus enhancing the bioactivity of the composite scaffold. The implications of these results for the optimization of the mechanical and biological performance of scaffolds for bone tissue engineering applications are discussed. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 101A: 3086–3096, 2013.
Treating Complex Trauma Among Veterans: Three Stage‐Based Treatment Models
Authors: Landes Sara J. , Garovoy Natara D. , Burkman Kristine M.
Published: March 2013

This article addresses the issue of complex trauma in veterans and treatments for symptom presentations resulting from complex trauma exposure. While various definitions have been proposed for complex trauma, the clinical issues related to it are relevant for veterans as they are at risk for cumulative trauma exposures such as multiple combat deployments and military sexual trauma. Several treatments were either developed to address and/or implemented with complex trauma. This article discusses three of these treatments that share a stage‐based approach, focusing on the present (e.g., skills training and psychoeducation), which can then be followed, if needed, with a past‐focused (e.g., exposure‐based) treatment: Dialectical Behavior Therapy (Linehan, 1993), Seeking Safety (Najavits, 2002), Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation (STAIR) Narrative Therapy (Cloitre, Cohen, & Koenen, 2006). This article also discusses what is currently being done to address symptom presentations resulting from complex trauma exposure and challenges and possible solutions to implementing this care.
An Entry into Obtaining Pyrazole‐, Chromone‐, or Oxadiazole‐Substituted 1H‐Pyrazoles via 2,3‐Furandiones
Authors: Çam Serkan , Bildirici İshak , Mengeş Nurettin , Tan Meltem , Şener Ahmet
Published: March 2013

Some new pyrazole‐, chromone‐, or oxadiazole‐substituted 1H‐pyrazoles were obtained via 2,3‐furandiones. Also, we have presented their plausible mechanisms based on rearrangement; one of these rearrangements is Baker–Venkataraman.
Fractal nature of protein surface roughness: a note on quantification of change of surface roughness in active sites, before and after binding
Authors: Banerji Anirban , Navare Charudatta
Published: March 2013

Year 2010 marked the 25th year since we came to know that roughness of a protein surface has fractal symmetry. Ever since the publication of Lewis and Rees' paper, hundreds of works from a spectrum of perspectives have established that fractal dimension (FD) can be considered as a reliable marker that describes roughness of protein surface objectively. In this article, we introduce readers to the fundamentals of fractals and present categorical biophysical and geometrical reasons as to why FD‐based constructs can describe protein surface roughness more accurately. We then review the commonality (and the lack of it) between numerous approaches that have attempted to investigate protein surface with fractal measures, before exploring the patterns in the results that they have produced. Apart from presenting the genealogy of approaches and results, we present an analysis that quantifies the difference in surface roughness in stretches of protein surface containing the active site, before and after binding to ligands, to underline the utility of FD‐based measures further. It has been found that surface stretches containing the active site, in general, undergo a significant increment in its roughness after binding. After presenting the entire repertoire of FD‐based surface roughness studies, we talk about two yet‐unexplored problems where application of FD‐based techniques can help in deciphering underlying patterns of surface interactions. Finally, we list the limitations of FD‐based constructs and put down several precautions that one must take while working with them. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐performance polymer‐stabilized blue‐phase LCD with low driving voltage
Authors: Ishitani Tetsuji , Niikura Yasuhiro , Ikenaga Makoto , Kobayashi Manabu , Kato Momoko , Oe Yuko , Nakano Masaru , Shishido Hideaki , Hirakata Yoshiharu , Yamazaki Shunpei , Kurosaki Daisuke
Published: March 2013

We have developed a polymer‐stabilized blue‐phase LCD in which the diffraction wavelength of blue‐phase liquid crystal is in the ultraviolet region and which is driven at a low voltage of V100 = 27 V. Prototypes of 3.4‐in polymer‐stabilized blue‐phase LCDs were made, which include a highly reliable crystalline oxide semiconductor. We succeeded in fabricating not a test cell but a display having a contrast ratio higher than 1000 : 1 for the first time in the world.
Liquid phase microextraction‐ion exchange‐high performance thin layer chromatography for the preconcentration, separation, and determination of plasticizers in aqueous samples
Authors: Faraji Hakim , Mirzaie Afshin , Waqif‐Husain Syed
Published: March 2013

Liquid phase microextraction combined with ion‐exchange‐high performance thin layer chromatography has been developed for analysis of four plasticizers in aqueous samples. After their preconcentration by liquid phase microextraction, fast separation on thin layers of inorganic ion‐exchanger stannic silicate has been developed using a mixture of toluene + ethyl acetate (10:1, v/v) as mobile phase. Consequently, densitometric quantitative determination of the plasticizers has been made at λ = 280 nm in reflection–absorption mode by Camag TLC scanner‐3. The effects of type and volume of extraction solvent, stirring rate, extraction time, and ionic strength in the microextraction method have been also evaluated and optimized. The results show that the proposed method provides enhanced accuracy, linear range, LOD, and LOQ, and is very effective for analyzing the target compounds in water samples. Under the optimized conditions, preconcentration factor of 149–279 and extraction efficiency of 31–59% have been obtained. Repeatability (5.67–7.26%) and intermediate precision (6.21–8.17%) were in acceptable range. The relative recovery obtained for each analyte in different water samples was higher than 82.3% at three fortification levels with RSD <7.9%.
Exploratory Space–time Analysis of Inbound Tourism Flows to China Cities
Authors: Xing‐zhu Yang , Qun Wang
Published: March 2013

The integration of space and time generates much closer interactions between geography and other social sciences in general while providing new perspectives for the role of geography in tourism flow studies. This paper aims to apply exploratory space–time analysis to provide insights into inbound tourism flow patterns in China's cities over the period of 2000–2009 using city‐level Geographical Information System datasets. First, this paper ascertains that there exists geographic neighborhood effect at city level by testifying significantly positive spatial autocorrelation. The hot spots and temporal stability are identified. The hot spots are locally concentrated in metropolitan areas. Local Markov matrix has also shown significant transitions with negative or positive influence of geographic neighbors upon a city. Specifically, three‐dimensional surface is created to visualize tourism flows. The spatial inequalities have the pattern of ‘the east more dense than the west, the south more dense than the north’. There simultaneously exist spatial agglomeration and spatial dispersion. The intensity of spatial agglomeration has become stronger. At the same time, smaller peaks of tourism flow centers developed around the main cities and spread toward surrounding cities. These potential tourism flow centers have gradually emerged and grown larger. Furthermore, the space–time covariance matrix uncovers correlation, which shows strong regional integration over years. Eight hundred and ninety links are identified and visualized. Two hundred and sixty nine links forming 10 spatial clusters represent strong positive correlation. One hundred and thirty‐four links are negative correlation, which is about 15.06 per cent of all links. In conclusion, our comprehensive evidences offer deeper insights and have important policy implications. These enable the tourism‐oriented governmental agencies, as well as the tourism industry professionals, to better understand the changes of inbound tourism flows in China's cities and relevant tourism partners/competitors for cities. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Religious Coping, Posttraumatic Stress, Psychological Distress, and Posttraumatic Growth Among Female Survivors Four Years After Hurricane Katrina
Authors: Chan Christian S. , Rhodes Jean E.
Published: March 2013

Positive and negative religious coping strategies and their relation with posttraumatic stress (PTS), psychological distress, and posttraumatic growth (PTG) were examined in the context of Hurricane Katrina. Positive religious coping was hypothesized to be associated with PTG, whereas negative religious coping was hypothesized to be associated with PTS and psychological distress. Low‐income mothers (N = 386, mean age = 25.4 years, SD = 4.43) were surveyed before, and 1 and 4 years after the storm. Results from structural regression modeling indicated that negative religious coping was associated with psychological distress, but not PTS. Positive religious coping was associated with PTG. Further analysis indicated significant indirect effects of pre‐ and postdisaster religiousness on postdisaster PTG through positive religious coping. Findings underscore the positive and negative effect of religious variables in the context of a natural disaster.
Effects of environmental stressors on nest success of introduced birds
Authors: King Richard S. , Trutwin Justin J. , Hunter Travis S. , Varner Dana M.
Published: March 2013

Understanding the influence of environmental stressors on daily nest survival of introduced birds is important because it can affect introduction success as well as the ability to evaluate introduction programs. For long‐lived birds with low annual production, adjustment to local breeding conditions can take many years. We examined nest success rates of 2 introduced bird species, whooping crane (Grus americana) and trumpeter swan (Cygnus buccinator), in Wisconsin. Both species are long‐lived with low annual reproductive rates. Trumpeter swans were established in our study area approximately 10 years before whooping cranes. We predicted that trumpeter swans would show less sensitivity to environmental stressors. We used daily nest survival rates (DNSRs) as our response variable to model several environmental parameters including weather, phenology, and ornithophilic black flies (Diptera: Simuliidae). Additionally, we examined the influence of captive history, age, release method, energetics, and nesting experience on whooping crane DNSRs. Daily nest survival of whooping cranes was the most sensitive to stressors. Trumpeter swan daily nest survival showed less sensitivity to the same stressors. Daily nest survival for both species peaked later in the nesting season, after 30 April and before 30 May. We also found that the daily nest survival rate (DNSR) for whooping cranes was potentially affected by captive exposure (measured by generations removed from the wild). Our results highlight the difficulties associated with conservation of long‐lived birds with low annual productivity as they adjust to local breeding conditions and that nest phenology at the source location can determine how these conditions are interfaced. We recommend that the juxtaposition of source and introduction location nest phenology be considered prior to introduction site selection. Additionally, strategically selecting offspring from captive pairs with nest phenology similar to that of sympatric species at the introduction location should be considered. Published 2013. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Multifunctional Hybrid Materials From Poly(3‐Hydroxybutyrate), TiO2 Nanoparticles, and Chitosan Oligomers by Combining Electrospinning/Electrospraying and Impregnation
Authors: Korina Elena , Stoilova Olya , Manolova Nevena , Rashkov Iliya
Published: March 2013

Several types of fibrous material containing poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) (PHB), nanosized TiO2‐anatase (nanoTiO2), and chitosan oligomers are prepared by combining the electrospinning, electrospraying, and impregnation techniques. Simultaneous electrospinning/electrospraying provides uniform distribution of electrosprayed nanoTiO2 along the PHB fibers and throughout the mat. Hybrid materials of different design manifest excellent photocatalytic activity, even after repeated use. They exhibit high bactericidal activity against Escherichia coli. In addition, the fibrous scaffolds are compatible with human mesenchymal stem cells and provide a favorable environment for their development.

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A Novel Nanocage from the Cooperative Self‐Assembly of Coil–Rod–Coil Triblock Copolymers and Nanopartilces
Authors: Zhou Yang , Long Xin‐Ping , Zeng Qing‐Xuan , Zhang Chao‐Yang
Published: March 2013

A Dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) simulations are performed to study the cooperative self‐assembly of coil–rod–coil triblock copolymers and nanoparticles in solution. The results show that, when the nanoparticle concentration exceeds a given value, the ternary systems can form a novel nanocage composed of two‐end coil‐caps and middle rod‐linkers. The novel nanocage is very similar to the real bird cage and the captured nanoparticles like the bird. It is the first nanocage from the self‐assembly of coil–rod–coil triblock copolymers. This may be used for the release of drugs and fertilizers, or as nanoreactors.

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Anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins from blueberry–blackberry fermented beverages inhibit markers of inflammation in macrophages and carbohydrate‐utilizing enzymes in vitro
Authors: Johnson Michelle H. , de Mejia Elvira Gonzalez , Fan Junfeng , Lila Mary Ann , Yousef Gad G.
Published: March 2013

Scope

Berries are an excellent source of dietary flavonoids which have several health benefits.

Methods and results

We evaluated well‐characterized anthocyanins (ANCs) and proanthocyanidins (PACs) from fermented blueberry–blackberry beverages. Wines were produced from highbush blueberries and blackberries grown in Illinois and blended to create ratios ranging from 100% blueberry to 100% blackberry. Total ANCs of the wine were strongly correlated to total phenolics (r = 0.99, p < 0.05) and to antioxidant capacity (r = 0.77, p < 0.05). ANC‐ and PAC‐enriched fractions were purified from each wine blend and a phenolic profile was generated. ANCs increased with more blackberries from 1114 to 1550 mg cyanidin‐3‐O‐glucoside (C3G) equivalents/L. Hydrolysable tannins were identified in the PAC‐enriched fraction. Both ANC‐ and PAC‐enriched fractions inhibited starch‐degrading enzyme α‐glucosidase and dipeptidyl peptidase‐IV activity. Computational docking demonstrated that delphinidin‐3‐arabinoside effectively inactivated dipeptidyl peptidase‐IV by binding with the lowest interaction energy (−3228 kcal/mol). ANC and PAC (100 μM C3G and epicatechin equivalents, respectively) from blueberry–blackberry blends reduced LPS‐induced inflammatory response in mouse macrophages via the nuclear factor kappa B‐mediated pathway.

Conclusion

ANC‐ and PAC‐ (including hydrolysable tannins in blackberry) enriched fractions from blueberry and blackberry fermented beverages are beneficial sources of antioxidants, inhibitors of carbohydrate‐utilizing enzymes, and potential inhibitors of inflammation.
A hybrid variationally consistent homogenization approach based on Ritz's method
Authors: Bleier N. , Mosler J.
Published: March 2013

Multiscale approaches based on homogenization theory provide a suitable framework to incorporate information associated with a small‐scale (microscale) problem into the considered large‐scale (macroscopic) problem. In this connection, the present paper proposes a novel computationally efficient hybrid homogenization method. Its backbone is a variationally consistent FE2 approach in which every aspect is governed by energy minimization. In particular, scale bridging is realized by the canonical principle of energy equivalence. As a direct implementation of the aforementioned variationally consistent FE2 approach is numerically extensive, an efficient approximation based on Ritz's method is advocated. By doing so, the material parameters defining an effective macroscopic material model capturing the underlying microstructure can be efficiently computed. Furthermore, the variational scale bridging principle provides some guidance to choose a suitable family of macroscopic material models. Comparisons between the results predicted by the novel hybrid homogenization method and full field finite element simulations show that the novel method is indeed very promising for multiscale analyses.Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Agreement Between ICU Clinicians and Electrophysiology Cardiologists on the Decision to Initiate a QTc‐interval Prolonging Medication in Critically Ill Patients with Potential Risk Factors for Torsade de Pointes: A Comparative, Case‐Based Evaluation
Authors: Fongemie Justin M. , Al‐Qadheeb Nada S. , Estes N. A. Mark , Roberts Russel J. , Temtanakitpaisan Yutthapong , Ruthazer Robin , Devlin John W.
Published: March 2013

Study Objectives

To measure concordance between different intensive care unit (ICU) clinicians and a consensus group of electrophysiology (EP) cardiologists for use of a common rate‐corrected QT interval (QTc)‐prolonging medication in cases containing different potential risk factor(s) for torsade de pointes (TdP).

Design

Prospective case‐based evaluation.

Setting

Academic medical center with 320 beds.

Subjects

Medical house staff (MDs) and ICU nurses (RNs) from one center and select critical care pharmacists (PHs).

Intervention

Completion of a survey containing 10 hypothetical ICU cases in which patients had agitated delirium for which a psychiatrist recommended intravenous haloperidol 5 mg every 6 hours. Each case contained different potential risk factor(s) for TdP in specific combinations. A group of five EP cardiologists agreed that haloperidol use was safe in five cases and not safe in five cases.

Measurements and Main Results

For each case, participants were asked to document whether they would administer haloperidol, to provide a rationale for their decision, and to state their level of confidence in that decision. Most clinicians (92 of 115 [80%]) invited to participate completed the cases. Among the five cases where EP cardiologists agreed that haloperidol was not safe, 29% of respondents felt that haloperidol was safe. Conversely, in the five cases where EP cardiologists felt haloperidol was safe, 21% of respondents believed that it was not safe. Overall respondent‐EP cardiologist agreement for haloperidol use across the 10 cases was moderate (κ = 0.51). MDs and PHs were in agreement with the EP cardiologists more than RNs (p=0.03). Interprofessional variability existed for the TdP risk factors each best identified. Clinician confidence correlated with EP cardiologist concordance for MDs (p=0.002) and PHs (p=0.0002), but not for RNs (p=0.69).

Conclusion

When evaluating use of a QTc interval‐prolonging medication, ICU clinicians often fail to identify the TdP risk factors that EP cardiologists feel should prevent its use. Clinician‐EP cardiologist concordance varies by the specific risk factor(s) for TdP and the ICU professional conducting the assessment.
The cardiovascular exosome: Current perspectives and potential
Authors: Cosme Jake , Liu Peter P. , Gramolini Anthony O.
Published: March 2013

The exosome is a secreted microvesicle that has been shown to contain genetic material and proteins and is involved in multiple levels of cellular communication. The cardiovascular exosome proteome is a promising subproteome that warrants investigation since a detailed understanding of its role in the heart should improve our comprehension of intercellular communication in the heart, and may even assist in biomarker discovery. Indeed, uncovering the role of the exosome in cardiovascular physiology could be accomplished with the application of scientific approaches and insights gained from studies of exosomes in other fields, such as cancer biology and immunology, where much of the established knowledge of the exosome has been generated. In the present review, we discuss the relevant literature and examine areas of investigation that would bring the cardiovascular exosome to the forefront of intercellular communication in the heart.