bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Migrant farmworker housing regulation violations in north Carolina
Authors: Arcury Thomas A. , Weir Maria , Chen Haiying , Summers Phillip , Pelletier Lori E. , Galván Leonardo , Bischoff Werner E. , Mirabelli Maria C. , Quandt Sara A.
Published: January 2012

Background

The quality of housing provided to migrant farmworkers is often criticized, but few studies have investigated these housing conditions. This analysis examines housing regulation violations experienced by migrant farmworkers in North Carolina, and the associations of camp characteristics with the presence of housing violations.

Methods

Data were collected in183 eastern North Carolina migrant farmworker camps in 2010. Housing regulation violations for the domains of camp, sleeping room, bathroom, kitchen, laundry room, and general housing, as well as total violations were assessed using North Carolina Department of Labor standards.

Results

Violations of housing regulations were common, ranging from 4 to 22 per camp. Housing regulation violations were common in all domains; the mean number of camp violations was 1.6, of sleeping room violations was 3.8, of bathroom violations was 4.5, of kitchen violations was 2.3, of laundry room violations was 1.2, and of general housing violations was 3.1. The mean number of total housing violations was 11.4. Several camp characteristics were consistently associated with the number of violations; camps with workers having H‐2A visas, with North Carolina Department of Labor Certificates of Inspection posted, and assessed early in the season had fewer violations.

Conclusions

These results argue for regulatory changes to improve the quality of housing provided to migrant farmworkers, including stronger regulations and the more vigorous enforcement of existing regulations. Am. J. Ind. Med. 55:191–204, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Occupational contact allergens: Are they also associated with occupational asthma?
Authors: Arrandale V.H. , Liss G.M. , Tarlo S.M. , Pratt M.D. , Sasseville D. , Kudla I. , Holness D.L.
Published: January 2012

Background

Workplace exposures that can potentially cause both allergic occupational contact dermatitis (AOCD) and occupational asthma (OA) are not clearly identified.

Methods

Occupational contact allergens (OCAs) were identified using North American Contact Dermatitis Group (NACDG) data. Reference documents and systematic reviews were used to determine whether each OCA had been reported to potentially cause OA. The presence or absence of a sensitizer notation in occupational hygiene reference documents was also examined.

Results

The 10 most common OCAs were: epoxy resin*, thiuram, carba mix, nickel sulfate*, cobalt chloride*, potassium dichromate*, glyceryl thioglycolate, p‐phenylenediamine*, formaldehyde* and glutaraldehyde*. Seven (indicated by *) were determined to be possible causes of OA. Information on sensitizing potential from OH reference materials contained conflicting information.

Conclusions

Several common OCAs can also potentially cause OA. Inhalation and dermal exposures to these agents should be controlled and both OA and AOCD should be considered as possible health outcomes. Increased consistency in sensitizer notations is needed. Am. J. Ind. Med. 55:353–360, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Increased IgG on cell‐derived plasma microparticles in systemic lupus erythematosus is associated with autoantibodies and complement activation
Authors: Nielsen Christoffer T. , Østergaard Ole , Stener Line , Iversen Line V. , Truedsson Lennart , Gullstrand Birgitta , Jacobsen Søren , Heegaard Niels H. H.
Published: January 2012

Objective

To quantify immunoglobulin and C1q on circulating cell‐derived microparticles (MPs) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and to determine whether immunoglobulin and C1q levels are correlated with clinical and serologic parameters.

Methods

Sixty‐eight clinically well‐characterized SLE patients, 38 healthy controls, 6 patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), and 6 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were included. The numbers of annexin V–binding MPs displaying IgG, IgM, or C1q were enumerated by flow cytometry. MP protein levels were determined by mass spectrometry in clinically defined subsets of SLE patients and controls. The MP IgG load was determined by flow cytometric analysis of all samples from SLE patients and healthy controls.

Results

SLE patients had significantly increased total and relative numbers of IgG‐positive MPs (P= 0.0004), with a much higher average IgG load per MP (P< 0.0001) than healthy controls. Quantitative mass spectrometry of purified MPs verified significantly increased IgG, IgM, and C1q levels in SLE patients. In RA and SSc patients, the average IgG load per MP was significantly lower than in SLE patients (P= 0.006 andP= 0.05, respectively). Also, the IgM load and C1q load per MP were significantly higher in SLE patients than in the control groups (P< 0.05), except for IgM in the RA group. IgG‐positive MPs were significantly associated with the presence of anti–double‐stranded DNA, anti–extractable nuclear antigen, and antihistone antibodies, with total IgG, and with decreased leukocyte counts. Average IgG load per MP was associated with lower concentrations of MPs, the presence of anti‐C1q antibodies, and complement consumption.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that circulating cell‐derived MPs in SLE patients carry increased loads of IgG, IgM, and C1q and that IgG MPs are associated with autoantibodies and complement activation. The findings link immunologic reactions on MPs with the etiology of SLE.
A robust analysis of unreplicated factorials
Authors: Aguirre‐Torres Víctor , de la Vara Román
Published: January 2012

The existing methods for analyzing unreplicated fractional factorial experiments that do not contemplate the possibility of outliers in the data have a poor performance for detecting the active effects when that contingency becomes a reality. There are some methods to detect active effects under this experimental setup that consider outliers. We propose a new procedure based on robust regression methods to estimate the effects that allows for outliers. We perform a simulation study to compare its behavior relative to existing methods and find that the new method has a very competitive or even better power. The relative power improves as the contamination and size of outliers increase when the number of active effects is up to four. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Molecular bioelectricity in developmental biology: New tools and recent discoveries
Authors: Levin Michael
Published: January 2012

Significant progress in the molecular investigation of endogenous bioelectric signals during pattern formation in growing tissues has been enabled by recently developed techniques. Ion flows and voltage gradients produced by ion channels and pumps are key regulators of cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Now, instructive roles for bioelectrical gradients in embryogenesis, regeneration, and neoplasm are being revealed through the use of fluorescent voltage reporters and functional experiments using well‐characterized channel mutants. Transmembrane voltage gradients (Vmem) determine anatomical polarity and function as master regulators during appendage regeneration and embryonic left‐right patterning. A state‐of‐the‐art recent study reveals that they can also serve as prepatterns for gene expression domains during craniofacial patterning. Continued development of novel tools and better ways to think about physical controls of cell‐cell interactions will lead to mastery of the morphogenetic information stored in physiological networks. This will enable fundamental advances in basic understanding of growth and form, as well as transformative biomedical applications in regenerative medicine.
Assessing Metal–Metal Multiple Bonds in CrCr, MoMo, and WW Compounds and a Hypothetical UU Compound: A Quantum Chemical Study Comparing DFT and Multireference Methods
Authors: Li Manni Giovanni , Dzubak Allison L. , Mulla Abbas , Brogden David W. , Berry John F. , Gagliardi Laura
Published: January 2012

To gain insights into the trends in metal–metal multiple bonding among the Group 6 elements, density functional theory has been employed in combination with multiconfigurational methods (CASSCF and CASPT2) to investigate a selection of bimetallic, multiply bonded compounds. For the compound [Ar‐MM‐Ar] (Ar=2,6‐(C6H5)2‐C6H3, M=Cr, Mo, W) the effect of the Ar ligand on the M2 core has been compared with the analogous [Ph‐MM‐Ph] (Ph=phenyl, M=Cr, Mo, W) compounds. A set of [M2(dpa)4] (dpa=2,2′‐dipyridylamide, M=Cr, Mo, W, U) compounds has also been investigated. All of the compounds studied here show important multiconfigurational behavior. For the Mo2 and W2 compounds, the σ2π4δ2 configuration dominates the ground‐state wavefunction, contributing at least 75 %. The Cr2 compounds show a more nuanced electronic structure, with many configurations contributing to the ground state. For the Cr, Mo, and W compounds the electronic absorption spectra have been studied, combining density functional theory and multireference methods to make absorption feature assignments. In all cases, the main features observed in the visible spectra may be assigned as charge‐transfer bands. For all compounds investigated the Mayer bond order (MBO) and the effective bond order (EBO) were calculated by density functional theory and CASSCF methods, respectively. The MBO and EBO values share a similar trend toward higher values at shorter normalized metal–metal bond lengths.
Treatment of Synthetic Olefin Plant Wastewater at Various Salt Concentrations in a Membrane Bioreactor
Authors: Sadeghi Fatemeh , Mehrnia Mohammad Reza , Nabizadeh Ramin , Sarrafzadeh Mohammad Hossein
Published: January 2012

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of salt concentration on performance of a membrane bioreactor (MBR) for treating an olefin plant wastewater. For this purpose, a lab‐scale submerged MBR with a flat‐sheet ultrafiltration membrane was used for treatment of synthetic wastewater according to oxidation and neutralization unit of olefin plant. The synthetic wastewater was adjusted to have 500 mg/L chemical oxygen demand (COD). Trials on different concentrations of sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) (0–20 000 ppm) in the feed were conducted under aerobic conditions in the MBR. The results showed that increasing the salt concentrations causes an increase in the effluent COD, phenol, and oil concentrations. These results are due to reduction of the membrane filtration efficiency and also decline in the microbial activity that it is indicated by decreasing the sOUR in MBR. But in all the trials, the effluent COD and oil concentration was well within the local discharge limit of 100 and 10 mg/L, respectively. These results indicate that the MBR system is highly efficient for treating the olefin plant wastewater, and although high salt concentrations decreased organic contaminant removal rates in the MBR, the effluent still met the discharge limits for treating the olefin plant wastewater.
Structural plasticity of hippocampal mossy fiber synapses as revealed by high‐pressure freezing
Authors: Zhao Shanting , Studer Daniel , Chai Xuejun , Graber Werner , Brose Nils , Nestel Sigrun , Young Christina , Rodriguez E. Patricia , Saetzler Kurt , Frotscher Michael
Published: January 2012

Despite recent progress in fluorescence microscopy techniques, electron microscopy (EM) is still superior in the simultaneous analysis of all tissue components at high resolution. However, it is unclear to what extent conventional fixation for EM using aldehydes results in tissue alteration. Here we made an attempt to minimize tissue alteration by using rapid high‐pressure freezing (HPF) of hippocampal slice cultures. We used this approach to monitor fine‐structural changes at hippocampal mossy fiber synapses associated with chemically induced long‐term potentiation (LTP). Synaptic plasticity in LTP has been known to involve structural changes at synapses including reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton and de novo formation of spines. While LTP‐induced formation and growth of postsynaptic spines have been reported, little is known about associated structural changes in presynaptic boutons. Mossy fiber synapses are assumed to exhibit presynaptic LTP expression and are easily identified by EM. In slice cultures from wildtype mice, we found that chemical LTP increased the length of the presynaptic membrane of mossy fiber boutons, associated with a de novo formation of small spines and an increase in the number of active zones. Of note, these changes were not observed in slice cultures from Munc13‐1 knockout mutants exhibiting defective vesicle priming. These findings show that activation of hippocampal mossy fibers induces pre‐ and postsynaptic structural changes at mossy fiber synapses that can be monitored by EM. J. Comp. Neurol. 520:2340–2351, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals Inc.
Sprouting of colonic afferent central terminals and increased spinal mitogen‐activated protein kinase expression in a mouse model of chronic visceral hypersensitivity
Authors: Harrington Andrea M. , Brierley Stuart M. , Isaacs Nicole , Hughes Patrick A. , Castro Joel , Blackshaw L. Ashley
Published: January 2012

Visceral pain following infection or inflammation is a major clinical problem. Although we have knowledge of how peripheral endings of colonic afferents change in disease, their central projections have been overlooked. With neuroanatomical tracing and colorectal distension (CRD), we sought to identify colonic afferent central terminals (CACTs), the dorsal horn (DH) neurons activated by colonic stimuli in the thoracolumbar (T10–L1) DH, and determine how they are altered by postinflammatory chronic colonic mechanical hypersensitivity. Retrograde tracing from the colon identified CACTs in the DH, whereas immunohistochemistry for phosphorylated MAP kinase ERK 1/2 (pERK) identified DH neurons activated by CRD (80 mmHg). In healthy mice, CACTs were located primarily in DH laminae I (LI) and V (LV) and projected down middle and lateral DH collateral pathways. CRD evoked pERK immunoreactivity in DH neurons, the majority of which were located in LI and LV, the same regions as CACTs. In postinflammatory mice, CACTs were significantly increased in T12–L1 compared with healthy mice. Although CACTs remained abundant in LI, they were more widespread and were now present in deeper laminae. After CRD, significantly more DH neurons were pERK‐IR postinflammation (T12–L1), with abundant expression in LI and deeper laminae. In both healthy and postinflammatory mice, many pERK neurons were in close apposition to CACTs, suggesting that colonic afferents can stimulate specific DH neurons in response to noxious CRD. Overall, we demonstrate that CACT density and the number of responsive DH neurons in the spinal cord increase postinflammation, which may facilitate aberrant central representation of colonic nociceptive signaling following chronic peripheral hypersensitivity. J. Comp. Neurol. 520:2241–2255, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quantitative analysis of neocortical gyrencephaly in African elephants (Loxodonta africana) and six species of cetaceans: Comparison with other mammals
Authors: Manger Paul R. , Prowse Michelle , Haagensen Mark , Hemingway Jason
Published: January 2012

This study provides quantitative data on the extent of gyrencephaly in the large‐brained African elephant and several species of cetaceans (from smaller to larger brained) in comparison with other mammals. Across three mammalian orders (primates, carnivores, and artiodactyls), the species with the larger brains are more gyrencephalic with each order, exhibiting a specific negative allometry. The African elephant, with a 5‐kg brain, has a gyrencephalic index (GI) of 3.89, which, though highly gyrencephalic, is not more so than would be predicted for a mammal with a 5‐kg brain. The cetaceans had an average GI of 5.43, are the most gyrencephalic mammals studied to date, and are more gyrencephalic than one would predict based on comparison with other mammals. No relationship between brain mass and GI was evident in the cetaceans as seen in other mammals, with all cetaceans showing similar GIs irrespective of brain mass (range of GI 5.23–5.70, range of brain mass 577–5617 g). This is yet another parameter indicating cetaceans to be neuroanatomical outliers. Two species of pinnipeds studied had GIs that were well above those seen for terrestrial carnivores, and the aquatic manatee was close to lissencephalic. Thus, all three groups of marine mammals showed unusual extents of cortical gyrencephaly, indicating a morphological alteration of the telencephalon associated with the return to the marine environment. The analysis suggests that cortical thickness and neuronal density are important factors in determining the extent of gyrencephaly across mammalian species. J. Comp. Neurol. 520:2430–2439, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals Inc.
Nonintrusive collection and management of data provenance in scientific workflows
Authors: Tylissanakis Giorgos , Cotronis Yiannis
Published: January 2012

In this paper, we introduce an efficient mechanism to collect, store, and retrieve data provenance information in workflows of multiphysics simulations. Using notifications, we enable the nonintrusive collection of information about workflow events during workflow execution. Combining these events with workflow structure information, constant for every execution of a workflow, we obtain the data provenance information for the specific run of the workflow. Data provenance information is structured into a graph that represents workflow events on the basis of their causal dependency. We use a graph database to store this graph and utilize the traversal framework provided, to efficiently retrieve data provenance information from the graph by traversing backwards from a data object to every workflow event that is part of its provenance. Finally, we integrate data provenance information with semantics of workflow services to provide complete and meaningful data provenance information. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tweezer‐like Complexes of Crown Ethers with Divalent Metals: Probing Cation‐Size‐Dependent Conformations by Vibrational Spectroscopy in the Gas Phase
Authors: Gámez Francisco , Hurtado Paola , Hamad Said , Martínez‐Haya Bruno , Berden Giel , Oomens Jos
Published: January 2012

Crown ethers constitute central building blocks for the synthesis of molecular tweezers capable of trapping cationic species. In this study, isolated ternary complexes comprising two [18]crown‐6 (18c6) ether molecules and one divalent cation of varying size (Cu2+, Ca2+, Ba2+) are investigated by means of laser vibrational action spectroscopy and computations. In the ternary (18c6)2–Cu2+ complex, one of the crown units folds tightly around the cation, while the second crown ether unit binds peripherally. Such asymmetrical binding manifests itself as a bimodal splitting of the vibrational bands measured for the complex. The size of the cation in the Ca2+ and Ba2+ complexes leads to a progressively more symmetrical coordination of the two crown ether molecules with the metal. In particular, in the spectrum of the (18c6)2–Ba2+ complex, the two components of the vibrational bands are merged into single‐maximum envelopes. This is consistent with a C2 arrangement predicted by the computation, in which the cation coordinates with the two crown ether units in a fully symmetrical way.
A study on the association of serum 1,5‐anhydroglucitol levels and the hyperglycaemic excursions as measured by continuous glucose monitoring system among people with type 2 diabetes in China
Authors: Wang Y. , Zhang Y. L. , Wang Y. P. , Lei C. H. , Sun Z. L.
Published: January 2012

Background

Blood glucose excursion is an important component of the glycaemic burden, but there are no indexes that can directly reflect them. The aim was to evaluate the values and significance of serum 1,5‐anhydroglucitol (1,5‐AG) in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus in China and to elucidate the relationship between 1,5‐AG and traditional indexes of glycaemic excursions by continuous glucose monitoring.

Methods

A total of 576 healthy adults and 292 patients were included, and their 1,5‐AG, fasting blood glucose and postprandial blood glucose and glycated haemoglobin were measured. For the 34 patients, their mean blood glucose, standard deviation of blood glucose, mean amplitude of glucose excursion, mean of daily differences, low blood glucose M‐value index and the area under the curve for blood glucose above 180 mg/dL were calculated by use of a continuous glucose monitoring system.

Results

Serum levels of 1,5‐AG among healthy adults were 28.44 ± 8.76 µg/mL with a significant gender bias rather than age bias. The 1,5‐AG levels in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus were 4.57 ± 3.71 µg/mL, which were lower than those seen in the healthy adults. There was a correlation between 1,5‐AG and glycated haemoglobin, fasting blood glucose, and postprandial blood glucose (r = −0.251, −0.195 and −0.349, respectively; all had p < 0.05). The continuous glucose monitoring system demonstrated that 1,5‐AG presents a negative correlation with mean blood glucose, standard deviation of blood glucose, mean amplitude of glucose excursion and mean of daily differences for 7 days and with the area under the curve for blood glucose above 180 mg/dL on the third, fourth and seventh days.

Conclusions

1,5‐AG may serve as a marker of hyperglycaemia and 7‐day hyperglycaemic excursions as well as being a useful adjunct to glycated haemoglobin for blood glucose monitoring in patients with diabetes. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structure‐function analysis of endogenous lectin mind‐the‐gap in synaptogenesis
Authors: Rushton Emma , Rohrbough Jeffrey , Deutsch Kalie , Broadie Kendal
Published: January 2012

Mind‐the‐Gap (MTG) is required for neuronal induction of Drosophila neuromuscular junction (NMJ) postsynaptic domains, including glutamate receptor (GluR) localization. We have previously hypothesized that MTG is secreted from the presynaptic terminal to reside in the synaptic cleft, where it binds glycans to organize the heavily glycosylated, extracellular synaptomatrix required for transsynaptic signaling between neuron and muscle. In this study, we test this hypothesis with MTG structure‐function analyses of predicted signal peptide (SP) and carbohydrate‐binding domain (CBD), by introducing deletion and point‐mutant transgenic constructs into mtg null mutants. We show that the SP is required for MTG secretion and localization to synapses in vivo. We further show that the CBD is required to restrict MTG diffusion in the extracellular synaptomatrix and for postembryonic viability. However, CBD mutation results in elevation of postsynaptic GluR localization during synaptogenesis, not the mtg null mutant phenotype of reduced GluRs as predicted by our hypothesis, suggesting that proper synaptic localization of MTG limits GluR recruitment. In further testing CBD requirements, we show that MTG binds N‐acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) in a Ca2+‐dependent manner, and thereby binds HRP‐epitope glycans, but that these carbohydrate interactions do not require the CBD. We conclude that the MTG lectin has both positive and negative binding interactions with glycans in the extracellular synaptic domain, which both facilitate and limit GluR localization during NMJ embryonic synaptogenesis. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2012
Syntheses, Structure, and Reactivity of Amino(azido)stibanes
Authors: Lehmann Mathias , Schulz Axel , Villinger Alexander
Published: January 2012

Amino(azido)stibanes Mes*N(SiMe3)Sb(N3)X (X = N3, Cl, OTf) were synthesized and fully characterized. Their structures were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and are rare examples of antimony azides. On account of weak Sb···X van der Waals interactions, centrosymmetric dimers are observed in the solid state. Mes*N(SiMe3)Sb(OTf)X species (X = Cl, N3, and OTf; OTf = triflate = CF3SO3–) are labile with respect to Me3Si–OTf elimination even at ambient temperatures and form in situ the highly reactive iminostibane Mes*N=SbX, which rapidly decomposes. Diazide Mes*N(SiMe3)Sb(N3)2 slowly decomposes when a Lewis acid such as B(C6F5)3 is present, thus leading to the formation of a salt that bears a heterocyclic Sb–N dication and an [N3–B(C6F5)3]– adduct anion in good yields.
Effect of TAG composition on the solid fat content profile, microstructure, and hardness of model fat blends with identical saturated fatty acid content
Authors: De Graef Veerle , Vereecken Jeroen , Smith Kevin W. , Bhaggan Krish , Dewettinck Koen
Published: January 2012

TAGs play an important role in determining the functional properties of fat‐based food products such as margarines, chocolate, and spreads. Nowadays, special attention is given to the role of the TAG structure and how it affects functional properties such as mouth feel, texture, and plasticity. Key to this research is the need to develop more healthy fats with a reduced level of trans and saturated fatty acids (SFAs), while maintaining the desired properties. In this study, fat blends with identical levels of SFA (50%) but differing in the ratio asymmetric/symmetric blends were evaluated by pulsed NMR and texturometry as a function of storage time and storage temperature. A higher trisaturated TAG content gave rise to a higher solid fat content (SFC) at higher temperature and a lower SFC at lower temperature for both palmitic and stearic based blends. On the other hand, the effect of symmetry on the SFC‐profile of the blends was only clear for the stearic based blends. At lower temperatures, the SFC of symmetric TAG based blend (blend SM) was markedly lower than that of asymmetric TAG based blend (blend iS). However, from 30°C onwards, the SFC of blend SM was clearly higher than that of blend iS. The microscopic analyses revealed a denser crystal network for a higher degree of trisaturated TAG and for symmetric stearic based blends. Moreover, some blends showed a clear evolution of the microstructure during storage with smaller crystals transforming into larger ones. Finally, texture analyses demonstrated the importance of the crystallization and storage temperature on the hardness of the blends.
Wax, policosanol, and long‐chain aldehydes of different sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) cultivars
Authors: Asikin Yonathan , Takahashi Makoto , Hirose Naoto , Hou De‐Xing , Takara Kensaku , Wada Koji
Published: January 2012

Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) wax that contains policosanol (a mixture of long‐chain alcohols), is widely known to have beneficial effects on human health. In order to investigate differences in the composition and content of sugarcane wax in different sugarcane cultivars, the wax, policosanol, and long‐chain aldehyde composition of eight sugarcane cultivars were examined. The wax composition of sugarcane was analyzed using HPLC coupled with an evaporative light scattering detector (ELSD). Sugarcane waxes were comprised of 55–60% aldehyde and sterol esters, 32–40% alcohol, and small amounts of TAG, acid, and plant sterols. Additionally, the composition of policosanol and long‐chain aldehydes was determined using GC‐FID and their mass fragment compounds were identified using GC‐MS. The highest content of policosanol and long‐chain aldehyde compounds (500 mg and 600 mg/100 g rind, respectively), was found in the hand‐peeled rind of the Ni 22 sugarcane cultivar. The content of these compounds increased up to 72% during sugarcane maturation from October to January. This study indicated that the composition and content of wax, policosanol, and long‐chain aldehydes may vary depending on the cultivar of the sugarcane and the specific part of the sugarcane analyzed, as well as on the degree of sugarcane maturity.

Practical applications: Different sugarcane cultivars have been evaluated in terms of their usefulness as a source of policosanol, which is a valuable wax component that may have beneficial effects on human health. Policosanol is the common name that refers to a group of long‐chain (C20–C30) aliphatic primary alcohols that are of great interest since their effects include reduction of platelet aggregation, reduction of low‐density lipoprotein levels in blood, inhibition of cholesterol synthesis, and prevention of atherosclerosis development, and which also display ergogenic properties. The present study detailed the wax composition, including that of policosanol and long‐chain aldehydes, of sugarcanes of different cultivars. The results of this study could provide a basis for selection of sugarcane cultivars in agricultural areas for wax or policosanol production.
Study of sphingolipids oxidation by ESI tandem MS
Authors: Melo Tânia , Maciel Elisabete , Oliveira Maria Manuel , Domingues Pedro , Domingues Maria R. M.
Published: January 2012

Sphingolipids are a class of lipids that play important cellular roles both as structural components of membranes and as signaling molecules. They have also an active participation in apoptosis and inflammation processes which are associated with oxidative stress conditions. However, no studies so far accomplished the oxidative modification of sphingolipids under oxidative stress conditions. In the present study, different sphingolipids, ((d18:1/16:0) sphingomyelin (N‐palmitoyl‐D‐erythro‐sphingosylphosphorylcholine, SM), (d18:1) sphingosylphosphorylcholine (a lysosphingolipid, SPC), and (d18:1/18:0) ceramide (Cer)) were oxidized by the hydroxyl radical, generated under Fenton reaction conditions, and the oxidation reaction was monitored by ESI‐MS in positive mode. No oxidation products were identified for Cer under the oxidative conditions used, while ESI‐MS spectra of SPC and SM after oxidation show some oxidation products that were analyzed by ESI‐MS/MS. This approach allowed identifying hydroxyl and keto derivatives of SPC and acetaldehydephosphorylcholine derivative (m/z 226). SM oxidation occurs exclusively in sphingosine backbone with formation of SPC, hydroxyl, and keto derivatives of SPC and the oxidation product at m/z 226. This study may give new insight and could help to understanding the behavior and biological roles of the sphingolipids under oxidative stress conditions.
An Ammonia‐Triggered Stereocontrolled Conversion of a γ‐Lactone to the Central Tetrahydropyran of Pederin, Psymberin, and Onnamides D–F
Authors: Buffham William J. , Swain Nigel A. , Kostiuk Sarah L. , Gonçalves Théo P. , Harrowven David C.
Published: January 2012

The onnamides, pederin, and psymberin have each attracted attention because of their potent biological activity and interesting structural features. A short (eight steps) and efficient stereocontrolled route to the central tetrahydropyran ring in these natural products has been developed from (S)‐malic acid. The key sequence involves the conversion of a γ‐lactone to a tetrahydropyran structure triggered by the addition of ammonia.
A Photodynamic Library of Tetrasulfinylcalix[4]arenes: The Sulfinyl Dance
Authors: Cacciapaglia Roberta , Di Stefano Stefano , Lanzalunga Osvaldo , Maugeri Leonardo , Mazzonna Marco
Published: January 2012

The photoinversion of sulfoxides has been exploited to generate a photodynamic combinatorial library (PDCL) of tetrasulfinylcalix[4]arenes. Irrespective of the starting isomer, the same product distribution is obtained at the photostationary state upon irradiation at a given wavelength. The order of appearance of the different isomers in the reaction mixture plays a key role in the disclosure of the identity of all the isomers of the PDCL.
Electrochemical Characterisation of Polypyrrole Doped with p‐Sulfonatocalix[4]arene
Authors: Doyle Richard , Breslin Carmel B. , Power Orla , Rooney A. Denise
Published: January 2012

Polypyrrole (PPy) films doped with macrocyclic calixarene anions are attractive materials for the development of selective sensor materials and membrane systems as the incorporation of the macrocycles can confer specific recognition sites within the polymer matrix. However, unlike many other PPy films a calixarene‐doped system is more complicated as calixarenes are themselves electroactive. Here we present results on the electroactivity, impedance properties and morphology of polypyrrole doped with p‐sulfonatocalix[4]arene. The calixarene in the polymer was found to be irreversibly oxidised at potentials greater than 0.500 V vs. SCE and reacted to form a new redox active species that was trapped within the polymer matrix. The results from the impedance and EQCM studies indicated that the calixarene was permanently trapped within the polymer matrix and the polymer acted as a cation exchange material. In addition, the data acquired from the EQCM experiments showed that while the material displayed simple cation exchange properties at high scan rates, at lower scan rates the transport of neutral species was also observed. Overall, our findings indicate that the PPy‐C4S system is suitable for use as a stable conducting polymer doped with an immobile anion within the potential window of −0.800 V to 0.500 V vs. SCE.
Towards a Portable Prototype Based on Electrochemical Cholinesterase Biosensor to be Assembled to Soldier Overall for Nerve Agent Detection
Authors: Arduini Fabiana , Neagu Daniela , Dall'Oglio Stefano , Moscone Danila , Palleschi Giuseppe
Published: January 2012

In a previous work we have developed a biosensor able to detect the Sarin gas at a concentration of 0.1 mg/m3 with only 30 s of incubation time [1]. In this work, we modified the biosensor in order to integrate it into a miniaturized prototype. The prototype is composed of the cell in which is inserted the biosensor, a little fan able to sampling air and an electronic circuit. The circuit is able to apply the potential, to register the current, to turn on‐off the fan and eventually give an alarm. The system was tested with paraoxon with satisfactory results.
Rnd3/RhoE Is down-regulated in hepatocellular carcinoma and controls cellular invasion
Authors: Grise Florence , Sena Sandra , Bidaud-Meynard Aurélien , Baud Jessica , Hiriart Jean-Baptiste , Makki Kassem , Dugot-Senant Nathalie , Staedel Cathy , Bioulac-Sage Paulette , Zucman-Rossi Jessica , Rosenbaum Jean , Moreau Violaine
Published: January 2012

We performed a review of public microarray data that revealed a significant down-regulation of Rnd3 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), as compared to nontumor liver. Rnd3/RhoE is an atypical RhoGTPase family member because it is always under its active GTP-bound conformation and not sensitive to classical regulators. Rnd3 down-regulation was validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction in 120 independent tumors. Moreover, Rnd3 down-expression was confirmed using immunohistochemistry on tumor sections and western blotting on human tumor and cell-line extracts. Rnd3 expression was significantly lower in invasive tumors with satellite nodules. Overexpression and silencing of Rnd3 in Hep3B cells led to decreased and increased three-dimensional cell motility, respectively. The short interfering RNA-mediated down-regulation of Rnd3 expression induced a loss of E-cadherin at cell-cell junctions that was linked to epithelial-mesenchymal transition through the up-regulation of the zinc finger E-box binding homeobox protein, ZEB2, and the down-regulation of miR-200b and miR-200c. Rnd3 knockdown mediated tumor hepatocyte invasion in a matrix-metalloproteinase–independent, and Rac1-dependent manner.

Conclusion:

Rnd3 down-regulation provides an invasive advantage to tumor hepatocytes, suggesting that

RND3

might represent a metastasis suppressor gene in HCC.
Systemic immunoregulatory and proteogenomic effects of tacrolimus to sirolimus conversion in liver transplant recipients
Authors: Levitsky Josh , Mathew James M. , Abecassis Michael , Tambur Anat , Leventhal Joseph , Chandrasekaran Dhivya , Herrera Nancy , Al-Saden Patrice , Gallon Lorenzo , Abdul-Nabi Anmaar , Yang Guang-Yu , Kurian Sunil M. , Salomon Daniel R. , Miller Joshua
Published: January 2012

Immunosuppression (IS) withdrawal from calcineurin inhibitors is only possible in ˜20% of liver transplant recipients. However, mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors (e.g., sirolimus; SRL) appear to be more immunoregulatory and might promote a tolerant state for withdrawal. Our aim was to determine whether systemic (i.e., blood, marrow, and allograft) signatures of immunoregulation are promoted by conversion from tacrolimus (TAC) to SRL. We therefore performed the following serial assays before and after SRL conversion in liver transplant recipients to test for enhanced markers of immunoregulation: (1) flow-cytometry immunophenotyping of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and bone marrow aspirates for regulatory T cells (Tregs) (e.g., CD4+CD25+++FOXP3+) and regulatory dendritic cells (DCregs) (immunoglobulin-like transcript 3+/4+); (2) liver biopsy immunohistochemical staining (e.g., FOXP3:CD3 and CD4:CD8 ratios) and immunophenotyping of biopsy-derived Tregs after growth in culture; (3) effects of pre- versus postconversion sera on Treg generation in mixed lymphocyte reactions; (4) peripheral blood nonspecific CD4 responses; and (5) peripheral blood gene transcripts and proteomic profiles. We successfully converted 20 nonimmune, nonviremic recipients (age, 57.2 ± 8.0; 3.5 ± 2.1 years post–liver transplantation) from TAC to SRL for renal dysfunction. Our results demonstrated significant increases in Tregs in PBMCs and marrow and DCregs in PBMCs (P < 0.01) after conversion. In biopsy staining, FOXP3:CD3 and CD4:CD8 ratios were significantly higher after conversion and a number of biopsy cultures developed new or higher FOXP3+ cell growth. Nonspecific CD4 responses did not change. Both pre- and postconversion sera inhibited mixed lymphocyte reactions, although only TAC sera suppressed Treg generation. Finally, 289 novel genes and 22 proteins, several important in immunoregulatory pathways, were expressed after conversion. Conclusions: TAC to SRL conversion increases systemic Tregs, DCregs, and immunoregulatory proteogenomic signatures in liver transplant recipients and may therefore facilitate IS minimization or withdrawal. (Hepatology 2013)
Inhibition of hepatic sulfatase-2 In Vivo : A novel strategy to correct diabetic dyslipidemia
Authors: Hassing Carlijne H. , Mooij Hans , Guo Shuling , Monia Brett P. , Chen Keyang , Kulik Wim , Dallinga-Thie Geesje M. , Nieuwdorp Max , Stroes Erik S.G. , Williams Kevin Jon
Published: January 2012

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) impairs hepatic clearance of atherogenic postprandial triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRLs). We recently reported that livers from T2DM

db/db

mice markedly overexpress the heparan sulfate glucosamine-6-
O
-endosulfatase-2 (SULF2), an enzyme that removes 6-
O

sulfate groups from heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) and suppresses uptake of TRLs by cultured hepatocytes. In the present study, we evaluated whether

Sulf2

inhibition in T2DM mice

in vivo

could correct their postprandial dyslipidemia. Selective second-generation antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) targeting

Sulf2

were identified.

Db/db

mice were treated for 5 weeks with

Sulf2

ASO (20 or 50 mg/kg per week), nontarget (NT) ASO, or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). Administration of

Sulf2

ASO to

db/db

mice suppressed hepatic

Sulf2

messenger RNA expression by 70%-80% (i.e., down to levels in nondiabetic

db/m

mice) and increased the ratio of tri- to disulfated disaccharides in hepatic HSPGs (
P

< 0.05). Hepatocytes isolated from

db/db

mice on NT ASO exhibited a significant impairment in very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) binding that was entirely corrected in

db/db

mice on

Sulf2

ASO.

Sulf2

ASO lowered the random, nonfasting plasma triglyceride (TG) levels by 50%, achieving nondiabetic values. Most important,

Sulf2

ASO treatment flattened the plasma TG excursions in

db/db

mice after corn-oil gavage (iAUC, 1,500 ± 470 mg/dL·h for NT ASO versus 160 ± 40 mg/dL·h for

Sulf2

ASO\P < 0.01).

Conclusions:

Despite extensive metabolic derangements in T2DM mice, inhibition of a single dys-regulated molecule, SULF2, normalizes the VLDL-binding capacity of their hepatocytes and abolishes postprandial hypertriglyceridemia. These findings provide a key proof of concept

in vivo

to support

Sulf2

inhibition as an attractive strategy to improve metabolic dyslipidemia.
Combined effects of different interleukin-28B gene variants on the outcome of dual combination therapy in chronic hepatitis C virus type 1 infection
Authors: Fischer Janett , Böhm Stephan , Scholz Markus , Müller Tobias , Witt Heiko , George Jacob , Sarrazin Christoph , Susser Simone , Schott Eckart , Suppiah Vijayaprakash , Booth David R. , Stewart Graeme J. , van Bömmel Florian , Brodzinski Annika , Fülöp Balazs , Migaud Pascal , Berg Thomas
Published: January 2012

In patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, several variants of the interleukin-28B (IL28B) gene have been shown to correlate significantly with a sustained virologic response (SVR). Recent evidence shows that determination of one single IL28B polymorphism, rs12979860, is sufficient for predicting treatment outcome. We examined whether the combined determination of the IL28B single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), rs12979860, rs8099917, rs12980275, and rs8103142, might improve the prediction of SVR in patients with HCV. In the study cohort, 54% of 942 patients with chronic HCV type 1 infection had SVR. The IL28B SNPs, rs12979860CC and rs8099917TT, correlated significantly with SVR (68% and 62%). The SNPs, rs12980275 and rs8103142, were in strong linkage disequilibrium with rs12979860 and were not included in further analysis. In homozygous carriers of the rs12979860 responder allele C, additional genotyping of the rs8099917 SNP had no effect on response prediction, whereas in carriers of the rs12979860 nonresponder allele, the rs8099917 SNP improved the response prediction. In heterozygous carriers of the rs12979860 nonresponder T allele, SVR rates were 55% in the presence of the rs8099917TT genotype and 40% in patients carrying the rs8099917 TG or GG genotype. Analysis of an independent confirmation cohort of 377 HCV type 1–infected patients verified the significant difference in SVR rates between the combined genotypes, rs12979860CT/rs8099917TT and rs12979860CT/rs8099917TG (38% versus 21%;

P

= 0.018).

Conclusion:

Treatment outcome prediction could not be improved in homozygous carriers of the IL28B rs12979860 C responder allele by the additional determination of the rs8099917 SNP. There is evidence that a significant proportion of heterozygous carriers of the rs12979860 T nonresponder allele can profit with respect to SVR prediction by further determination of the rs8099917 SNP.
Bidirectional Associations Among Sensitive Parenting, Language Development, and Social Competence
Authors: Barnett Melissa A. , Gustafsson Hanna , Deng Min , Mills‐Koonce W. Roger , Cox Martha
Published: January 2012

Rapid changes in language skills and social competence, both of which are linked to sensitive parenting, characterize early childhood. The present study examines bidirectional associations among mothers' sensitive parenting and children's language skills and social competence from 24 to 36 months in a community sample of 174 families. In addition, this study examines how these developmental pathways vary by child sex. Findings indicate stability across time in sensitive parenting, expressive language skills, and social competence, as well as positive main effects of sensitive parenting on expressive and receptive language skills for girls and boys. We find mixed evidence over time of reciprocal links between social competence and sensitive parenting. Further, boys' receptive language skills at 24 months uniquely contribute to increases in mothers' observed sensitive parenting from 24 to 36 months. These findings highlight the utility of applying transactional frameworks to the study of sex‐based differences in early developmental processes. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hibernation does not reduce cortical bone density, area or second moments of inertia in woodchucks (Marmota monax)
Authors: Doherty Alison H. , Frampton Jason D. , Vinyard Christopher J.
Published: January 2012

Long periods of inactivity in most mammals result in bone loss that may not be completely recoverable during an individual's lifetime regardless of future activity. Prolonged inactivity is normal during hibernation, but it remains uncertain whether hibernating mammals suffer decreased bone properties after hibernation that affects survival. We test the hypothesis that relative cortical area (CA), apparent density, bone area fraction (B.Ar/T.Ar), and moments of inertia do not differ between museum samples of woodchucks (Marmota monax) collected before and after hibernation. We used peripheral quantitative computed tomography to examine bone geometry in the femur, tibia, humerus and mandible. We see little evidence for changes in bone measures with hibernation supporting our hypothesis. In fact, when including subadults to increase sample sizes and controlling age statistically, we observed a trend toward increased bone properties following hibernation. Diaphyses were significantly denser in the humerus, femur, and tibia after hibernation, and relative mandibular cortical area was significantly larger. Similarly, relative mechanical indices were significantly larger in the mandible after hibernation. Although tests of individual measures in many cases were not significantly different prehibernation versus posthibernation, the overall pattern of average increase posthibernation was significant for relative CA and densities as well as relative diaphyseal mechanical indices when examining outcomes collectively. The exception to this pattern was a reduction in metaphyseal trabecular bone following hibernation. Individually, only humeral B.Ar/T.Ar was significantly reduced, but the average reduction in trabecular measures post‐hibernation was significant when examined collectively. Because the sample included subadults, we suggest that much of the increased bone relates to their continued growth during hibernation. Our results indicate that woodchucks are more similar to large hibernators that maintain skeletal integrity compared to smaller‐bodied hibernators that may lose bone. This result suggests a potential size‐related trend in bone response to hibernation across mammals. J. Morphol., 2012. © 2012Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Wood typification by Venturi easy ambient sonic spray ionization mass spectrometry: the case of the endangered Mahogany tree
Authors: Cabral Elaine C. , Simas Rosineide C. , Santos Vanessa G. , Queiroga Carmen L. , da Cunha Valnei S. , de Sá Gilberto F. , Daroda Romeu J. , Eberlin Marcos N.
Published: January 2012

Venturi easy ambient sonic spray ionization mass spectrometry in both its liquid (VL‐EASI‐MS) and solid sample modes (VS‐EASI‐MS) is shown to provide nearly immediate and secure typification of woods, as demonstrated for Mahogany, an endangered and most valuable type of tropical wood. This reddish wood displays unique phytochemical markers (phragmalin‐type limonoids) which are rapidly detected from the wood surface by VS‐EASI‐MS or from a simple methanol extract of a tiny wood chip by VL‐EASI‐MS. Unique profiles were obtained for Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) whereas genuine samples of six other similar types of woods, which are commonly falsified by artificial coloring and commercialized as Mahogany, display also typical but dissimilar pythochemical profiles as compared to that of the authentic wood. Variable and atypical chemical profiles were observed for artificially colored woods. Secure chemical characterization via VS‐EASI‐MS or Vs‐EASI‐MS fingerprints of Mahogany and other types of woods with similar appearance should help to control the illegal logging and trade of this and other endangered woods and their falsification, and to create certified standards. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.