bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression, Functionality, and Localization of Apurinic/Apyrimidinic Endonucleases in Replicative and Non‐Replicative Forms of Trypanosoma cruzi
Authors: Sepúlveda S. , Valenzuela L. , Ponce I. , Sierra S. , Bahamondes P. , Ramirez S. , Rojas V. , Kemmerling U. , Galanti N. , Cabrera G.
Published: October 2013

Trypanosoma cruzi is the etiological agent of Chagas disease. The parasite has to overcome oxidative damage by ROS/RNS all along its life cycle to survive and to establish a chronic infection. We propose that T. cruzi is able to survive, among other mechanisms of detoxification, by repair of its damaged DNA through activation of the DNA base excision repair (BER) pathway. BER is highly conserved in eukaryotes with apurinic/apirimidinic endonucleases (APEs) playing a fundamental role. Previous results showed that T. cruzi exposed to hydrogen peroxide and peroxinitrite significantly decreases its viability when co‐incubated with methoxyamine, an AP endonuclease inhibitor. In this work the localization, expression and functionality of two T. cruzi APEs (TcAP1, Homo sapiens APE1 orthologous and TcAP2, orthologous to Homo sapiens APE2 and to Schizosaccaromyces pombe Apn2p) were determined. These enzymes are present and active in the two replicative parasite forms (epimastigotes and amastigotes) as well as in the non‐replicative, infective trypomastigotes. TcAP1 and TcAP2 are located in the nucleus of epimastigotes and their expression is constitutive. Epimastigote AP endonucleases as well as recombinant TcAP1 and TcAP2 are inhibited by methoxyamine. Overexpression of TcAP1 increases epimastigotes viability when they are exposed to acute ROS/RNS attack. This protective effect is more evident when parasites are submitted to persistent ROS/RNS exposition, mimicking nature conditions. Our results confirm that the BER pathway is involved in T. cruzi resistance to DNA oxidative damage and points to the participation of DNA AP endonucleases in parasite survival. J. Cell. Biochem. 115: 397–409, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Many Faces of Asthma in Obesity
Authors: Sideleva O. , Dixon A.E.
Published: October 2013

Obesity is a major risk factor for the development of asthma, and causes severe, uncontrolled disease that responds poorly to therapy. The obese state alters early onset allergic asthma, and leads to the development of a novel form of late onset asthma secondary to obesity. The presentation of early onset allergic asthma is altered through effects on immune function. Factors such as mechanical loading, effects of adipokines on airways, altered diet, insulin resistance and altered metabolism of nitric oxide likely all contribute to increased airway reactivity in obesity, causing late onset asthma in obesity. Obesity also alters responses to environmental factors such as ozone and particulate matter. Focused studies to understand the importance of these factors in the pathogenesis of airway disease in obesity will be essential to develop therapies to intervene in this new epidemic of airway disease. J. Cell. Biochem. 115: 421–426, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nuclear Structures Surrounding Internal Lamin Invaginations
Authors: Legartová Soňa , Stixová Lenka , Laur Oskar , Kozubek Stanislav , Sehnalová Petra , Bártová Eva
Published: October 2013

A‐ and C‐type lamins are intermediate filament proteins responsible for the maintenance of nuclear shape and most likely nuclear architecture. Here, we propose that pronounced invaginations of A/C‐type lamins into the nuclear interior represent channels for the transport of regulatory molecules to and from nuclear and nucleolar regions. Using fluorescent protein technology and immunofluorescence, we show that A‐type lamin channels interact with several nuclear components, including fibrillarin‐ and UBF‐positive regions of nucleoli, foci of heterochromatin protein 1 β, polycomb group bodies, and genomic regions associated with DNA repair. Similar associations were observed between A/C‐type lamin channels and nuclear pores, lamin‐associated protein LAP2α, and promyelocytic leukemia nuclear bodies. Interestingly, regions with high levels of A/C‐type lamins had low levels of B‐type lamins, and vice versa. These characteristics were observed in primary and immortalized mouse embryonic fibroblasts as well as human and mouse embryonic stem cell colonies exhibiting stem cell‐specific lamin positivity. Our findings indicate that internal channels formed by nuclear lamins likely contribute to normal cellular processes through association with various nuclear and nucleolar structures. J. Cell. Biochem. 115: 476–487, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Transplantation of iPSc Ameliorates Neural Remodeling and Reduces Ventricular Arrhythmias in a Post‐Infarcted Swine Model
Authors: Zhang Fengxiang , Song Guixian , Li Xiaorong , Gu Weijuan , Shen Yahui , Chen Minglong , Yang Bing , Qian Lingmei , Cao Kejiang
Published: October 2013

Neural remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI) may cause malignant ventricular arrhythmia, which is the main cause of sudden cardiac death following MI. Herein, we aimed to examine whether induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSc) transplantation can ameliorate neural remodeling and reduce ventricular arrhythmias (VA) in a post‐infarcted swine model. Left anterior descending coronary arteries were balloon‐occluded to generate MI. Animals were then divided into Sham, PBS control, and iPS groups. Dynamic electrocardiography programmed electric stimulation were performed to evaluate VA. The spatial distribution of vascularization, Cx43 and autonomic nerve regeneration were evaluated by immunofluorescence staining. Associated protein expression was detected by Western blotting. Likewise, we measured the enzymatic activities of superoxide dismutase and content of malondialdehyde. Six weeks later, the number of blood vessels increased significantly in the iPSc group. The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and connexin 43 in the iPS group was significantly higher than the PBS group; however, the levels of nerve growth factor and tyrosine hydroxylase were lower. The oxidative stress was ameliorated by iPSc transplantation. Moreover, the number of sympathetic nerves in the iPSc group was reduced, while the parasympathetic nerve fibers had no obvious change. The transplantation of iPSc also significantly decreased the low‐/high‐frequency ratio and arrhythmia score of programmed electric stimulation‐induced VA. In conclusion, iPSc intramyocardial transplantation reduces vulnerability to VAs, and the mechanism was related to the remodeling amelioration of autonomic nerves and gap junctions. Moreover, possible mechanisms of iPSc transplantation in improving neural remodeling may be related to attenuated oxidative stress and inflammatory response. J. Cell. Biochem. 115: 531–539, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Modeling disordered morphologies in organic semiconductors
Authors: Neumann Tobias , Danilov Denis , Lennartz Christian , Wenzel Wolfgang
Published: October 2013

Organic thin film devices are investigated for many diverse applications, including light emitting diodes, organic photovoltaic and organic field effect transistors. Modeling of their properties on the basis of their detailed molecular structure requires generation of representative morphologies, many of which are amorphous. Because time‐scales for the formation of the molecular structure are slow, we have developed a linear‐scaling single molecule deposition protocol which generates morphologies by simulation of vapor deposition of molecular films. We have applied this protocol to systems comprising argon, buckminsterfullerene, N,N‐Di(naphthalene‐1‐yl)‐N,N'‐diphenyl‐benzidine, mer‐tris(8‐hydroxy‐quinoline)aluminum(III), and phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester, with and without postdeposition relaxation of the individually deposited molecules. The proposed single molecule deposition protocol leads to formation of highly ordered morphologies in argon and buckminsterfullerene systems when postdeposition relaxation is used to locally anneal the configuration in the vicinity of the newly deposited molecule. The other systems formed disordered amorphous morphologies and the postdeposition local relaxation step has only a small effect on the characteristics of the disordered morphology in comparison to the materials forming crystals. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Geometrical and optical benchmarking of copper guanidine–quinoline complexes: Insights from TD‐DFT and many‐body perturbation theory†
Authors: Jesser Anton , Rohrmüller Martin , Schmidt Wolf Gero , Herres‐Pawlis Sonja
Published: October 2013

We report a comprehensive computational benchmarking of the structural and optical properties of a bis(chelate) copper(I) guanidine–quinoline complex. Using various (TD‐)DFT flavors a strong influence of the basis set is found. Moreover, the amount of exact exchange shifts metal‐to‐ligand bands by 1 eV through the absorption spectrum. The BP86/6‐311G(d) and B3LYP/def2‐TZVP functional/basis set combinations were found to yield results in best agreement with the experimental data. In order to probe the general applicability of TD‐DFT to excitations of copper bis(chelate) charge‐transfer (CT) systems, we studied a small model system that on the one hand is accessible to methods of many‐body perturbation theory (MBPT) but still contains simple guanidine and imine groups. These calculations show that large quasiparticle energies of the order of several electronvolts are largely offset by exciton binding energies for optical excitations and that TD‐DFT excitation energies deviate from MBPT results by at most 0.5 eV, further corroborating the reliability of our TD‐DFT results. The latter result in a multitude of MLCT bands ranging from the visible region at 3.4 eV into the UV at 5.5 eV for the bis(chelate) complex. Molecular orbital analysis provided insight into the CT within these systems but gave mixed transitions. A meaningful transition assignment is possible, however, by using natural transition orbitals. Additionally, we performed a thorough conformational analysis as the correct description of the copper coordination is crucial for the prediction of optical spectra. We found that DFT identifies the correct conformational minimum and that the MLCTs are strongly dependent on the torsion of the chelate angles at the copper center. From the results, it is concluded that extensive benchmarking allows for the quantitative analyses of the CT behavior of copper bis(chelate) complexes within TD‐DFT. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Application of Cupferron‐lead(II) Complex for the Electrochemical Determination of dsDNA
Authors: Hui Ni , Wang Jia‐Sheng , Sun Wei
Published: October 2013

Based on the interaction of cupferron and lead(II) complex [Cup‐Pb(II)] with double‐stranded DNA (dsDNA) a new voltammetric method for the detection of DNA was described in this paper. In pH 4.0 HAc‐hexamine buffer solution, [Cup‐Pb(II)] complex showed a sensitive second order derivative polarographic reductive peak at ‐0.554 V (vs. SCE). After the addition of dsDNA into [Cup‐Pb(II)] mixture solution the reductive peak current decreased with the positive shift of reductive peak potential, which was the typical characteristic of intercalation mode. Under the optimum conditions, the decrease of reductive peak current was directly proportional to the dsDNA concentration in the range from 1.0 to 25.0 mg/L with the linear regression equation as ΔIp″ (nA) = 129.30 + 62.51 C (mg/L) (n = 13, γ = 0.991). The detection limit of 0.90 mg/L (3σ) and the relative standard derivation (RSD) of 2.43% for 10 parallel determinations of 10.0 mg/L dsDNA were found. The method was successfully applied to synthetic samples with good results, and the stoichiometry of dsDNA with [Cup‐Pb(II)] complex was calculated by the voltammetic data with the binding number as 2 and the binding constant as 2.82 × 109.
One‐pot Synthesis of Tetrahydrobenzo[b]pyrans Catalyzed by PEG‐1000 Bridged Primary Amine Functionalized Dicationic Ionic Liquid in Water
Authors: Wang Ying‐Lei , Li Zhuo , Luo Jun , Liu Zu‐Liang
Published: October 2013

A novel poly (ethylene glycol) bridged primary amine functionalized dicationic ionic liquid ([PA‐PEG1000‐DIL][BF4]) was synthesized and characterized by 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, FT‐IR and ESI‐MS. The thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis indicated the high thermal stability of [PA‐PEG1000‐DIL][BF4]. It was used as an efficient and recyclable catalyst for the synthesis of substituted tetrahydrobenzo[b]pyrans through a one‐pot three‐component condensation of aromatic aldehydes, malononitrile and dimedone in 86% ∼ 96% yields within 10 ∼ 30 min in water. This method offers several advantages such as mild reaction conditions, simple operation and environmental friendliness. Furthermore, the catalyst could be easily recovered and reused for at least five runs without obvious loss of catalytic activity.
The Synthesis and Characterizations of Calcium Phosphate Nanoparticles via β‐Cyclodextrin, Poly(oxyethylene)5 Nonyl Phenol Ether and Cyclohexane Medium
Authors: Viswanathan Kaliyaperumal , Lee Y. C. , Fang Y. S.
Published: October 2013

In this work, the calcium phosphate nanoparticles have been produced by new reverse micro emulsion method containing β‐cyclodextrin, poly(oxyethylene)5 nonyl phenol ether and cyclohexane. Scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, fourier transform infrared spectroscope and X‐ray diffraction were used to characterize the particles. The sizes of the nanoparticles were identified between 70‐80 nm. In conclusion, these results suggested that the developed reverse micro emulsion system based nanoparticles seem to be a promising formulation for calcium phosphate nanoparticles synthesis and it has immense potential in delivery of drugs and vaccines.
Theory and Applications of Sum‐Frequency Generations
Authors: Lin C. K. , Yang L. , Hayashi M. , Zhu C. Y. , Fujimura Y. , Shen Y. R. , Lin S. H.
Published: October 2013

The SFG technique has become popular since the pioneering work conducted by Shen's group in late 1980s. Combined the advantages of other surface‐detecting techniques, the SFG technique could identify both chemical species and orientations adsorbed on surfaces or inserted between surfaces. In view of the recent tremendous experimental activities of SFG in surface chemistry, biochemistry and material sciences, quantum chemical calculations of SFG spectra to analyze the experimental SFG spectra are badly needed. In this paper we presented the theoretical expressions of various SFG techniques and showed how to employ the quantum chemical calculations to simulate the corresponding SFG spectra.
Shying Away From a Good Thing: Social Anxiety in Romantic Relationships
Authors: Porter Eliora , Chambless Dianne L.
Published: October 2013

Objectives

To determine whether social anxiety covaries with satisfaction, social support, and intimacy in romantic relationships.

Method

Undergraduates and their romantic partners (N = 163) completed self‐report questionnaires.

Results

Higher social anxiety in women, but not men, was associated with wanting, receiving, and providing less support, based on self‐ but not partner‐report measures. Women higher in social anxiety also reported being less satisfied in their romantic relationships and self‐disclosing less to romantic partners than women lower in social anxiety. Further, self‐reported received support mediated the relationship between social anxiety and romantic relationship satisfaction in women. In both sexes, higher social anxiety was related to perceiving intimacy as riskier and romantic relationships as less emotionally intimate.

Conclusions

Together, results suggest that social anxiety is associated with interpersonal difficulty even in established romantic relationships.
A Multifaith Spiritually Based Intervention Versus Supportive Therapy for Generalized Anxiety Disorder: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Koszycki Diana , Bilodeau Cynthia , Raab‐Mayo Kelley , Bradwejn Jacques
Published: October 2013

Objectives

We have previously reported that a multifaith spiritually based intervention (SBI) may have efficacy in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). This randomized pilot trial tested whether the SBI had greater efficacy than a nonspecific control condition in GAD.

Method

Twenty‐three participants with GAD of at least moderate severity were randomized to 12 individual sessions of the SBI (n = 11) or supportive psychotherapy (SP)—our control condition (n = 12).

Results

Intent‐to‐treat analysis revealed the SBI fared better than SP in decreasing blind clinician ratings of anxiety and illness severity and self‐report worry and intolerance of uncertainty, with large between‐group effect sizes. The SBI also produced greater changes in spiritual well‐being. Results remained the same when supplementary analyses were performed on the completer sample. Treatment gains were maintained at 3‐months follow‐up.

Conclusions

This small pilot trial demonstrates that a nondenominational SBI has greater efficacy than a rigorous control in improving symptoms of GAD and enhancing spiritual well‐being. These results are encouraging and further research on the efficacy of the SBI and its underlying mechanisms is warranted.
Angiogenin Stimulates Ribosomal RNA Transcription by Epigenetic Activation of the Ribosomal DNA Promoter
Authors: Sheng Jinghao , Yu Wenhao , Gao Xiangwei , Xu Zhengping , Hu Guo‐Fu
Published: October 2013

Angiogenin (ANG) undergoes nuclear translocation and promotes ribosomal RNA (rRNA) transcription thereby enhancing cell growth and proliferation. However, the mode of action of ANG in stimulating rRNA transcription is unclear. Here, we show that ANG enhances the formation of RNA polymerase I (Pol I) pre‐initiation complex at the ribosomal DNA (rDNA) promoter. ANG binds at the upstream control element (UCE) of the promoter and enhances promoter occupancy of RNA Pol I as well as the selectivity factor SL1 components TAFI48 and TAFI110. We also show that ANG increases the number of actively transcribing rDNA by epigenetic activation through promoter methylation and histone modification. ANG binds to histone H3, inhibits H3K9 methylation, and activates H3K4 methylation as well as H4 acetylation at the rDNA promoter. These data suggest that one of the mechanisms by which ANG stimulates rRNA transcription is through an epigenetic activation of rDNA promoter. J. Cell. Physiol. 229: 521–529, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
In Vivo Deletion of CAR Resulted in High Bone Mass Phenotypes in Male Mice
Authors: Cho Hwa Young , Jung Ju‐Yeon , Park Hyojung , Yang Jae‐Yeon , Jung Solip , An Jee Hyun , Cho Sun Wook , Kim Sang Wan , Kim Seong Yeon , Kim Jung Eun , Park Young Joo , Shin Chan Soo
Published: October 2013

Constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) was originally identified as xenobiotic sensor that regulates the expression of cytochrome P450 genes. However, recent studies suggest that this nuclear receptor is also involved in the regulation of energy metabolism including glucose and lipid homeostasis. This study investigated the role of CAR in the regulation of bone mass in vivo using CAR−/− mice. Endogenous mRNA expression of CAR was observed in both primary osteoblasts and osteoclast precursors. CAR−/− mice have exhibited significant increase in whole body bone mineral density (BMD) by 9.5% (P < 0.01) and 5.5% (P < 0.05) at 10 and 15 weeks of age, respectively, compared with WT mice in males. Microcomputed tomography analysis of proximal tibia demonstrated a significant increase in trabecular bone volume (62.7%), trabecular number (54.1%) in male CAR−/− mice compared with WT mice. However, primary culture of calvarial cells exhibited no significant changes in osteogenic differentiation potential between CAR−/− and WT. In addition, the number of tartrate‐resistant acid‐phosphatase positive osteoclasts in the femur and serum level of CTx was not different between CAR−/− and WT mice. The higher BMD and microstructural parameters were not observed in female mice. Interestingly, serum level of testosterone in male CAR−/− mice was 2.5‐fold higher compared with WT mice and the mRNA expressions of Cyp2b9 and 2b10 in the liver, which regulate testosterone metabolism, were significantly down‐regulated in male CAR−/− mice. Furthermore, the difference in BMD between CAR−/− and WT mice disappeared at 8 weeks after performing orchiectomy. CAR−/− mice also exhibited significant increase in serum 1,25(OH)2D3 levels but Cyp 27B1 which converts 25(OH)D3 to 1,25(OH)2D3 was significantly down‐regulated compared to WT mice. These results suggest that in vivo deletion of CAR resulted in higher bone mass, which appears to be a result from reduced metabolism of testosterone due to down‐regulation of Cyp2b. J. Cell. Physiol. 229: 561–571, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fn14 Promotes Differentiation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells into Heart Valvular Interstitial Cells by Phenotypic Characterization
Authors: Huang Wei , Xiao Ding‐Zhang , Wang Yigang , Shan Zhi‐Xin , Liu Xiao‐Ying , Lin Qiu‐Xiong , Yang Min , Zhuang Jian , Li Yangxin , Yu Xi‐Yong
Published: October 2013

Despite the fact that tissue engineered heart valves (TEHV) hold great promise for heart valve disease treatment, one of the challenges is to find suitable seeding cells. Bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were considered to be one of the best seed cell sources. In this study we propose a novel approach to promote stem cell differentiation into the seed cells of TEHV, valvular interstitial cells (VICs). Newly induced MSCs (iMSCs) were created from a co‐culture niche in which healthy human donor derived MSCs were co‐cultured with cardiac fibroblasts (H9C2 cell line). Then iMSCs were transfected with either a mock vector (iMSCsmock) as controls or with a vector that overexpresses thefibroblast inducible factor 14 (Fn14) gene (iMSCsFn14). Immunofluorescence staining was performed to assay VIC differentiation. Western blot analysis was performed to analyze the involved signaling pathway. The results demonstrate that the expression of α‐smooth muscle actin (SMA) was significantly higher in iMSCsFn14 as compared with iMSCmock, and MSC, and also had higher co‐alignment of α‐actinin and stress fiber (F‐actin) in bundles. Additionally, increased biosynthesis of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins including collagen I, collagen III, and fibronection were observed in iMSCsFn14 in comparison with iMSCsmock. These data observed in iMSCsFn14 were in accordance with VIC phenotype from normal heart valves. In addition, the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway was activated in iMSCsFn14 which allowed higher Akt phosphorylation (p‐Akt) levels and SMA levels, whereas, it was attenuated by LY294002 (PI3K/Akt inhibitor). These new findings of the effect of Fn14 on VIC‐like cell differentiation may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for heart valve disease treatment. J. Cell. Physiol. 229: 580–587, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mechanism‐based approach using a biomarker response to evaluate tocilizumab subcutaneous injection in patients with rheumatoid arthritis with an inadequate response to synthetic DMARDs (MATSURI study)
Authors: Ohta Shuji , Tsuru Tomomi , Terao Kimio , Mogi Seiji , Suzaki Midori , Shono Eisuke , Ishida Yoshimasa , Tarumi Eriko , Imai Masato
Published: October 2013

A multicenter, open‐label, dose‐escalation phase 1/2 study was undertaken to evaluate the optimal subcutaneous tocilizumab dose that would result in exposure comparable to the intravenous tocilizumab 8‐mg/kg approved dose in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. A pharmacokinetic and biomarker approach was used to estimate the clinical optimal dose regimen of subcutaneous tocilizumab. Safety and efficacy of subcutaneous tocilizumab were assessed as secondary end points. Patients received subcutaneous tocilizumab at 81 mg every 2 weeks (q2w) (n = 8), 162 mg q2w (n = 12), or 162 mg weekly (qw) (n = 12) for 24 weeks. 88% of 162‐mg q2w patients and 100% of 162‐mg qw patients maintained mean serum trough tocilizumab concentrations of ≥1 µg/mL, and had exposure comparable with the approved intravenous tocilizumab dose of 8 mg/kg; this resulted in normalized C‐reactive protein levels and improvement in ACR20/50/70 responses. The most common adverse events were abnormal laboratory results, which were mild in severity. Anti‐tocilizumab antibodies were detected in a few patients in the 81‐mg q2w and 162‐mg qw groups. In conclusion, coupled with efficacy and tolerability results, the appropriate dose of subcutaneous tocilizumab was determined to be 162 mg q2w for Japanese patients.
Population pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic modeling of different formulations of ONO‐5334, cathepsin K inhibitor, in Caucasian and Japanese postmenopausal females
Authors: Hasegawa Chihiro , Ohno Tomoya , Umemura Takeo , Honda Naoki , Ohyama Michiyo , Nagase Shinichi , Small Maria , Deacon Steve , Ogawa Mikio , Ieiri Ichiro
Published: October 2013

ONO‐5334, a selective inhibitor of cathepsin K, is a potential new treatment for osteoporosis. The objectives of this study were to (1) develop population pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic (PK–PD) models for ONO‐5334 using dose‐ascending data from healthy postmenopausal females, (2) examine comparability of PK and/or PD profile between Caucasian and Japanese, and (3) compare PK–PD profile between immediate release tablet (IRT) and sustained release tablet (SRT). The population PK–PD models were developed for each formulation for post‐dose levels of bone resorption markers (serum CTX and NTX). The data were provided from 4 phase 1 studies with total of 201 Caucasian and 94 Japanese subjects. Plasma concentrations of ONO‐5334 and bone resorption markers were thoroughly evaluated in those studies. An indirect response model described relationships between bone resorption markers and plasma concentrations of ONO‐5334. There was no significant difference in PK and pharmacodynamic potency (IC50) between Caucasian and Japanese. Based on the developed model, serum CTX and NTX after administration of ONO‐5334 IRT or SRT were simulated, and the results showed that ONO‐5334 SRT would provide comparable PD effect on bone resorption markers with lower dose relative to IRT.
Impact of small‐for‐gestational age (SGA) status on gentamicin pharmacokinetics in neonates
Authors: Lulic‐Botica Mirjana , Sheer Terri , Edwards David , Thomas Ronald L. , Natarajan Girija
Published: October 2013

We compared gentamicin pharmacokinetics among neonates born small‐for‐gestational age (SGA) and appropriate for gestational age (AGA). We further compared gentamicin pharmacokinetics in subgroups of AGA and SGA neonates born preterm and term and treated within and after the initial week of age. Steady state peak and trough serum gentamicin concentrations were used to calculate clearance (Cl), elimination constant (Kel), volume of distribution (Vd), and half‐life (t1/2) in infants (n = 236) who received ≥48 hours therapy. Statistical analyses (SPSS 17.0) included chi‐square and the non‐parametric Mann–Whitney U‐test. SGA infants treated early (≤7days) (n = 29) and at postmenstrual ages ≤32 weeks (n = 23) had significantly lower median Kel (0.069/h vs. 0.081/h and 0.067/h vs. 0.075/h) and clearance (0.58 mL/kg/min vs. 0.68 mL/kg/min and 0.46 mL/kg/min vs. 0.65 mL/kg/min), compared to those born AGA. There were no significant differences in pharmacokinetic profiles with later therapy or at more mature ages. The prolonged half‐life of gentamicin may need to be considered in dosing regimens for preterm SGA infants in the initial week of life.
Simultaneous nutrient and carbon removal from azo dye wastewater using a photorotating biological contactor reactor
Authors: Wang Xingzu , Cheng Xiang , Sun Dezhi , Ren Yiwei , Xu Guihua
Published: October 2013

BACKGROUND

Biological nutrient removal methods typically use separate anaerobic/anoxic and aerobic processes for the removal of nitrogen, phosphorus, or other nutrients from wastewaters. These processes require high operational and material costs. In this work, photosynthetic biofilm in a single photorotating biological contactor (PRBC) reactor was used to simultaneously remove carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur from high‐chroma‐dye wastewater.

RESULTS

Supplementary illumination of 12 h d−1 in PRBC readily enhanced photosynthetic bacterial activity, leading to 90.3% color removal, 93.9% chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal, and 94% 1‐2‐7‐triamino‐8‐hydroxy‐3‐6‐naphthalinedisulfate removal. Moreover, the removal efficiency of total nitrogen, phosphate, and sulfide at an illumination time of 12 h d−1 and a hydraulic retention time of 10 h was maintained at 69%, 72%, and 67%, respectively. Component analysis revealed that the protein, phosphorus, and sulfur in the photosynthetic biofilm were 67.5%, 2.4%, and 1.8%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Cultivating photosynthetic biofilm in a single PRBC can achieve better efficiency of removal of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur compared with biofilm in a rotating biological contactor. A feasible technology for removing nutrients and recycling useful elements from wastewater using photosynthetic biofilm in a single PRBC is proposed. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Comparison of the methods for preparing a cordierite monolith‐supported Cu–Mn mixed‐oxide catalyst
Authors: Wu Dongfang , Li Wangbing , Gao Rui
Published: October 2013

BACKGROUND

An efficient, quick and simple preparation method is of great importance for mass production of monolithic catalysts in industry. This paper reports a comparison of three methods used to prepare a monolithic Cu–Mn mixed‐oxide/γ‐alumina/cordierite catalyst.

RESULTS

The catalysts obtained by different methods have significant differences in catalytic activity and mechanical stability, although their chemical crystalline phases are identical. Similar to a conventional two‐step method, the simple one‐step sol dipping method leads to homogeneous distribution of active phase and hence to greater o‐xylene combustion activity, compared with the one‐step solution impregnation method. Furthermore, the one‐step sol dipping method results in the strongest adhesion and cohesion of catalytic material on to the monolithic substrate, followed by the one‐step solution impregnation method and then the conventional two‐step method.

CONCLUSIONS

The one‐step sol dipping method is superior to the other two methods and is therefore recommended for use in the future preparation of monolithic catalysts, especially for mass production of monolithic catalysts in industry. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Telesonography: Virtual 3D image processing of remotely acquired abdominal, vascular, and fetal sonograms
Authors: Arbeille Ph. , Fornage B. , Boucher A. , Ruiz J. , Georgescu M. , Blouin J. , Cristea J. , Carles G. , Farin F. , Vincent N.
Published: October 2013

Purpose

To design and test a new telesonography technique using remote volume acquisition by untrained operators in locations without access to trained sonographers, postprocessing, and interpretation done at expert centers.

Materials and Methods

The technique was tested with 84 sonograms of organs acquired in pregnant women (n = 8) and patients with various abdominal pathologic conditions (n = 11) located in French Guyana (France), Ceuta (Spain), and Murighiol (Romania). An operator inexperienced in sonography (US) placed the transducer over the predetermined acoustic window for each organ, then swept it from a −45° to a +45° position to scan the targeted organ. The acquired volume dataset was sent to an expert center via the Internet and reconstructed using a proprietary software, which allowed a trained sonographer to navigate through the appropriately reconstructed sonograms.

Results

After three‐dimensional processing at the expert center, the organs scanned in the obstetrical cases were adequately visualized by the expert in seven of eight (88%) examinations of the fetal head, femur, and umbilical cord and eight of eight (100%) examinations of the fetal abdomen and placenta, whereas in the general abdominal cases, the liver, gallbladder, portal vein, and right kidney were correctly visualized in 10 of 11 (91%) examinations.

Conclusions

Telesonography allowed untrained operators to scan and transfer the US volume datasets over the Internet to an expert center where an expert sonographer could navigate through the reconstructed US volume and visualize sonograms of diagnostic quality. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 42:67–73, 2014
Synovial osteochondromatosis in the subacromial bursa mimicking calcific tendinitis: Sonographic diagnosis
Authors: Kim Tae‐Kwon , Lee Dae‐Hee , Park Jong‐Hoon , Kim Chul‐Hwan , Jeong Woong‐Kyo
Published: October 2013

Synovial osteochondromatosis is an idiopathic benign metaplasia of the synovial membrane rarely found in an extra‐articular bursa. We describe the case of a 55‐year‐old woman with synovial osteochondromatosis in the subacromial bursa mimicking calcific tendinitis. Plain radiographs showed a radiopaque mass over the middle facet of the greater tuberosity, suggesting calcific tendinitis. Sonography, however, showed a loose body in the subacromial bursa, and no evidence of calcification inside the rotator cuff. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 42:237–240, 2014
Virtual CT sonographically guided biopsy of a retroperitoneal mass in a patient with Erdheim‐Chester disease
Authors: Tombesi Paola , Di Vece Francesca , Rinaldi Rosa , Ermili Francesca , Sartori Sergio
Published: October 2013

Image fusion between sonography and CT allows real‐time synchronization of CT multiplanar reconstructed images with the corresponding sonographic images. This technique has mainly been used in liver imaging. We report the use of image fusion to target and successfully guide the percutaneous biopsy of a retroperitoneal a mass. This technique represents a promising tool in abdominal imaging, and it should be considered for the biopsy of lesions that are difficult to approach with conventional imaging guidance techniques. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 42:230–233, 2014
Concurrent identity training is not necessary for associative symmetry in successive matching
Authors: Campos Heloísa Cursi , Urcuioli Peter J. , Swisher Melissa
Published: October 2013

Pigeons demonstrate associative symmetry after successive matching training on one arbitrary and two identity relations (e.g., Urcuioli, 2008). Here, we tested whether identity matching training is necessary for this emergent effect. In Experiment 1, one group of pigeons (Dual Oddity) learned hue–form arbitrary matching and two oddity relations which shared sample and comparison elements with the arbitrary relations. A second (Control) group learned the same hue–form matching task and a second (form–hue) arbitrary task which, together with hue oddity, shared only the samples with the hue–form relations. On subsequent symmetry probe trials, four Dual Oddity pigeons exhibited higher probe‐trial response rates on the reverse of the positive than negative hue–form baseline trials, demonstrating associative symmetry. None of the Control pigeons, on the other hand, exhibited associative symmetry. Experiment 2 showed that subsequently changing one of the two oddity baseline relations to identity matching in the Dual Oddity group yielded antisymmetry in three of five pigeons. These results are consistent with predictions derived from Urcuioli's (Urcuioli, 2008) theory of pigeons' stimulus class formation and demonstrate that identity training is not necessary for associative symmetry to emerge after arbitrary matching training in pigeons.
Do cortisol and corticosterone play the same role in coping with stressors? Measuring glucocorticoid serum in free‐ranging guanacos (Lama guanicoe)
Authors: Ovejero Ramiro , Novillo Agustina , Soto‐Gamboa Mauricio , Mosca‐Torres Maria E. , Cuello Pablo , Gregório Pablo , Jahn Graciela , Carmanchahi Pablo
Published: October 2013

Habitat can constrain and shape successful ecological and physiological strategies, thus providing the context for the evolution of life‐history traits. However, unpredictable challenges, such as storms, natural disasters, and human activities can also have great effects on stress. Glucocorticoids (GCs) are adrenal steroid hormones that play an important role in how vertebrates cope with these predictable and unpredictable environmental challenges. Although assessing GCs levels can have many applications in the study of wildlife and/or captive animals, with or without capturing individuals, it requires a species‐specific complete validation (analytical and biological) before its use. In this work, our aim was to: (a) validate a radioimmunoassay (RIA) for measuring GCs levels inL. guanicoeserum; (b) assess cortisol and corticosterone levels (if present) in serum of wildL. guanicoeindividuals; and (c) compare the response to acute stressors (handling, shearing, and release). Our results successfully: (a) validated RIA for asses GCs levels in wild ungulates; (b) confirmed the presence for cortisol and corticosterone and showed that both GCs are differently affected by environmental stimuli inL. guanicoe; and (c) showed that GCs exhibit different patterns in the field and in response to acute stressors, making these camelids an interesting endocrinological model when seeking the adaptive functions of a given variation and further emphasizing the complexity of GC physiology in wild mammals. J. Exp. Zool. 319A: 539–547, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Separator reconnection with antiparallel/component features observed in magnetotail plasmas
Authors: Guo Ruilong , Pu Zuyin , Xiao Chijie , Wang Xiaogang , Fu Suiyan , Xie Lun , Zong Qiugang , He Jiansen , Yao Zhonghua , Zhong Jun , Li Jinxing
Published: October 2013

Magnetic reconnection (MR), a fundamental process in space plasmas that changes magnetic topology and converts magnetic energy into kinetic and thermal energies, is an ultimate driver of space weather. There exist two models of MR in the literatures, antiparallel and component, associated with intensive studies of their generation and applications. In this paper, we report an MR event observed by Cluster constellation in the geomagnetotail where both types of MR were detected. By reconstructing the three‐dimensional (3‐D) MR configuration, we find that a pair of A‐B nulls existed in both types of MR cases with two fan surfaces intersecting each other to form a separator line connecting the nulls. A weak or sizable magnetic field exists along the separator in the antiparallel or component case, respectively. In the latter case, field strength is finite away from the two nulls and vanishes close to the nulls. Therefore, at least in the two cases observed, both antiparallel and component MR geometries are local presentation of the separator MR configuration. This result supports the expectation that 3‐D nulls often occur as a crucial element of MR at least in the magnetotail and separator MR may play an important role in dynamics and reconfiguration of magnetic field in 3‐D MR processes.
Low‐latitude Pi2 pulsations during intervals of quiet geomagnetic conditions (Kp≤1)
Authors: Kwon H.‐J. , Kim K.‐H. , Jun C.‐W. , Takahashi K. , Lee D.‐H. , Lee E. , Jin H. , Seon J. , Park Y.‐D. , Hwang J.
Published: October 2013

It has been reported that Pi2 pulsations can be excited under extremely quiet geomagnetic conditions (Kp=0). However, there have been few comprehensive reports of Pi2 pulsations in such a near ground state magnetosphere. To understand the characteristics of quiet‐time Pi2 pulsations, we statistically examined Pi2 events observed on the nightside between 1800 and 0600 local time at the low‐latitude Bohyun (BOH, L = 1.35) station in South Korea. We chose year 2008 for analysis because geomagnetic activity was unusually low in that year. A total of 982 Pi2 events were identified when Kp≤1. About 80% of the Pi2 pulsations had a period between 110 and 300 s, which significantly differs from the conventional Pi2 period from 40 to 150 s. Comparing Pi2 periods and solar wind conditions, we found that Pi2 periods decrease with increasing solar wind speed, consistent with the result of Troitskaya (1967). The observed wave properties are discussed in terms of plasmaspheric resonance, which has been proposed for Pi2 pulsations in the inner magnetosphere. We also found that Pi2 pulsations occur quasi‐periodically with a repetition period of ∼23–38 min. We will discuss what determines such a recurrence time of Pi2 pulsations under quiet geomagnetic conditions.
An automated identification method for Alfvénic streams and their geoeffectiveness
Authors: Snekvik K. , Tanskanen E. I. , Kilpua E. K. J.
Published: October 2013

Previous statistical studies have found a close relationship between high‐speed streams and high‐latitude geomagnetic activity. The speed by itself would increase the geoeffectivity of the solar wind. But it is also believed that pure Alfvénic fluctuations, often found in the trailing part of the streams, play a role in the solar wind driving of geomagnetic activity by amplifying the north‐south component of the magnetic field (BZ), and thereby the dayside reconnection electric field. By automatically identifying slow and fast solar wind streams and by analyzing them for more than one solar cycle, we aimed to study the relation between speed, Alfvénicity, and BZ in the solar wind. It was found out that streams, whose trailing parts are dominated by pure Alfvénic fluctuations, are the most geoeffective streams on average. However, it is not the pure Alfvénic fluctuations themselves which cause the streams to be more geoeffective. There is only a variation of about 10% in BZ due to the Alfvénicity of the fluctuations. Instead the streams are more geoeffective because the pure Alfvénic fluctuations tend to occur during high‐solar wind speed and strong interplanetary magnetic field. There is a substantial variation within the solar cycle of how Alfvénic the solar‐wind streams are, and years with many extremely Alfvénic streams tend to have more days with moderately large geoeffectivity. The list of solar wind streams is included as extra material to this paper.
Solar energetic particle drifts in the Parker spiral
Authors: Dalla S. , Marsh M.S. , Kelly J. , Laitinen T.
Published: October 2013

Drifts in the Parker spiral interplanetary magnetic field are known to be an important component in the propagation of galactic cosmic rays, while they are thought to be negligible for solar energetic particles (SEPs). As a result, they have so far been ignored in SEP propagation modeling and data analysis. We examine drift velocities in the Parker spiral within single particle first‐order adiabatic theory, in a local coordinate system with an axis parallel to the magnetic field. We show that, in the presence of scattering in interplanetary space, protons at the high end of the SEP energy range experience significant gradient and curvature drift. In the scatter‐free case, drift due to magnetic field curvature is present. The magnitude of drift velocity increases by more than an order of magnitude at high heliographic latitudes compared to near the ecliptic; it has a strong dependence on radial distance r from the Sun, reaching a maximum at r∼1 AU at low heliolatitudes and r∼10 AU at high heliolatitudes. Due to the mass over charge dependence of drift velocities, the effect of drift for partially ionized SEP heavy ions is stronger than for protons. Drift is therefore likely to be a considerable source of cross‐field transport for high‐energy SEPs.
Survey of the ULF wave Poynting vector near the Earth's magnetic equatorial plane
Authors: Hartinger M. D. , Moldwin M. B. , Takahashi K. , Bonnell J. W. , Angelopoulos V.
Published: October 2013

Ultralow frequency (ULF) waves transfer energy in the Earth's magnetosphere through a variety of mechanisms that impact the Earth's ionosphere, radiation belts, and other plasma populations. Measurements of the electromagnetic portion of the energy transfer rate are an important source of information for assessing the importance of ULF waves relative to other energy transfer mechanisms as well as a diagnostic for studying the behavior of ULF waves. Using Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms satellite data, we examine the time‒averaged electromagnetic energy transfer rate, or Poynting vector, as a function of frequency and region of the magnetosphere; for this study, we focus on the direction and rate of energy transfer relative to the background magnetic field, comparing perpendicular and parallel transfer rates. This study extends earlier studies of the ULF wave Poynting vector that focused on narrower frequency ranges or specific regions of the magnetosphere; here we consider the 3–50 mHz frequency range, all local time sectors, radial distances from 3 to 13 Re, and magnetic latitudes close to the equatorial plane. We measure time‒averaged Poynting vectors that range from 10−11 to 10−5  W/m2 , with larger Poynting vector magnitudes occurring at larger radial distances and smaller frequencies. In every spatial region and frequency we examined, we found a large degree of scatter in both the Poynting vector magnitude and direction. The Poynting vector tends to be anisotropic at all frequencies, with more energy transferred along rather than across the background magnetic field. This preference for parallel energy transfer near the magnetic equator suggests that Joule dissipation in the ionosphere and the acceleration of auroral electrons are the largest sinks of ULF wave energy in the magnetosphere.
Determination of local plasma densities with the MARSIS radar: Asymmetries in the high‒altitude Martian ionosphere
Authors: Andrews D. J. , Opgenoorth H. J. , Edberg N. J. T. , André M. , Fränz M. , Dubinin E. , Duru F. , Morgan D. , Witasse O.
Published: October 2013

We present a novel method for the automatic retrieval of local plasma density measurements from the Mars advanced radar for subsurface and ionospheric sounding (MARSIS) active ionospheric sounder (AIS) instrument. The resulting large data set is then used to study the configuration of the Martian ionosphere at altitudes above ∼300 km. An empirical calibration routine is used, which relates the local plasma density to the measured intensity of multiple harmonics of the local plasma frequency oscillation, excited in the plasma surrounding the antenna in response to the transmission of ionospheric sounding pulses. Enhanced accuracy is achieved in higher‒density (ne>150 cm−3) plasmas, when MARSIS AIS is able to directly measure the fundamental frequency of the local plasma oscillation. To demonstrate the usefulness of this data set, the derived plasma densities are binned by altitude and solar zenith angle in regions over weak (|Bc|<20 nT) and strong (|Bc|>20 nT) crustal magnetic fields, and we find clear and consistent evidence for a significant asymmetry between these two regions. We show that within the ∼300–1200 km altitude range sampled, the median plasma density is substantially higher on the dayside in regions of relatively stronger crustal fields than under equivalent illuminations in regions of relatively weaker crustal fields. Conversely, on the nightside, median plasma densities are found to be higher in regions of relatively weaker crustal fields. We suggest that the observed asymmetry arises as a result of the modulation of the efficiency of plasma transport processes by the irregular crustal fields and the generally horizontal draped interplanetary magnetic field.