bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Singlet and Triplet Excited‐State Dynamics Study of the Keto and Enol Tautomers of Cytosine
Authors: Mai Sebastian , Marquetand Philipp , Richter Martin , González‐Vázquez Jesús , González Leticia
Published: July 2013

The photoinduced excited‐state dynamics of the keto and enol forms of cytosine have been investigated by using ab initio surface‐hopping to gain an understanding of the outcome of molecular beam femtosecond pump‐probe photoionisation spectroscopy experiments. Both singlet and triplet states were included in the dynamics. The results show that triplet states play a significant role in the relaxation of the keto tautomer, whereas they are less important in the enol tautomer. In both forms, the T1 state minimum was found to be too low in energy to be detected in standard photoionisation spectroscopy experiments and therefore experimental decay times should arise from simultaneous relaxation to the ground state and additional intersystem crossing followed by internal conversion to the T1 state. In agreement with available experimental lifetimes, we observed three decay constants of 7, 270 and 1900 fs, the first two coming from the keto tautomer and the third from the enol form. Deactivation of the enol tautomer is due to internal conversion to the ground state through two ethylenic‐type S1/S0 conical intersections.
A 1–6 GHz analog radio frequency power driver in 90 nm complementary metal‐oxide semiconductor technology for wireless applications
Authors: Ren Saiyu , Abraham Isaac , Hong Seng
Published: July 2013

One of the most challenging subsystems for integrated radio frequency (RF) complementary metal‐oxide semiconductor (CMOS) solutions is the power amplifier. A 1–6 GHz RF power driver (RFPD) in 90 nm CMOS technology is presented, which receives signals from on‐chip RF signal chain components at −12 dBm power levels and produces a 0 dBm signal to on‐chip or off‐chip 50 Ω loads. A unique unit cell design is developed for the RFPD to offset issues associated with very wide multi‐fingered transistors. The RF driver was fabricated as a stand‐alone sub‐circuit on a 90 nm CMOS die with other sub‐circuits. Experimental tests confirmed that the on‐chip RFPD operates up to 6 GHz and is able to drive 50 Ω loads to the desired 0 dBm power level. Spur free dynamic range exceeded 70 dB. The measured power gain was 11.6 dB at 3 GHz. The measured 1 dB compression point and input third‐order intercept point (IIP3) were −4.7 dBm and −0.5 dBm, respectively. Also, included are modeling, simulation, and measured results addressing issues associated with interfacing the die to a package with pinouts and the package to a printed circuit test fixture. The simulations were made through direct current (DC), alternating current (AC), and transient analysis with Cadence Analog Design Environment. The stability was also verified on the basis of phase margin simulations from extracted circuit net‐lists. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Zonisamide in the treatment of bulimia nervosa: An open‐label, pilot, prospective study
Authors: Guerdjikova Anna I. , Blom Thomas J. , Martens Brian E. , Keck Paul E. , McElroy Susan L.
Published: July 2013

Objective

To assess preliminarily the effectiveness of zonisamide in bulimia nervosa.

Method

This was an open‐label, prospective, 12‐week, flexible dose study of zonisamide in bulimia nervosa. The primary outcome was binge‐purge episode frequency.

Results

Twelve individuals received zonisamide, 10 completed at least one post‐baseline evaluation, and six completed the study. Mean dose at endpoint was 420 (SD = 215) mg/day. Zonisamide was associated with significant reductions in frequency of binge‐purge episodes and binge‐purge days as well as measures of binge eating behavior, purging behavior, clinical severity, obsessive‐compulsive features, and depressive symptoms. Weight was unchanged.

Discussion

In this open‐label trial, zonisamide was effective in bulimia nervosa, but associated with a high discontinuation rate. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2013; 46:747–750)
The influence of landscape matrix on isolated patch use by wide‐ranging animals: conservation lessons for woodland caribou
Authors: Lesmerises Rémi , Ouellet Jean‐Pierre , Dussault Claude , St‐Laurent Martin‐Hugues
Published: July 2013

For conservation purposes, it is important to design studies that explicitly quantify responses of focal species to different land management scenarios. Here, we propose an approach that combines the influence of landscape matrices with the intrinsic attributes of remaining habitat patches on the space use behavior of woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou), a threatened subspecies of Rangifer. We sought to link characteristics of forest remnants and their surrounding environment to caribou use (i.e., occurrence and intensity). We tracked 51 females using GPS telemetry north of the Saguenay River (Québec, Canada) between 2004 and 2010 and documented their use of mature forest remnants ranging between 30 and ~170 000 ha in a highly managed landscape. Habitat proportion and anthropogenic feature density within incremental buffer zones (from 100 to 7500 m), together with intrinsic residual forest patch characteristics, were linked to caribou GPS location occurrence and density to establish the range of influence of the surrounding matrix. We found that patch size and composition influence caribou occurrence and intensity of use within a patch. Patch size had to reach approximately 270 km2 to attain 75% probability of use by caribou. We found that small patches (<100 km2) induced concentration of caribou activities that were shown to make them more vulnerable to predation and to act as ecological traps. Woodland caribou clearly need large residual forest patches, embedded in a relatively undisturbed matrix, to achieve low densities as an antipredator strategy. Our patch‐based methodological approach, using GPS telemetry data, offers a new perspective of space use behavior of wide‐ranging species inhabiting fragmented landscapes and allows us to highlight the impacts of large scale management. Furthermore, our study provides insights that might have important implications for effective caribou conservation and forest management.
Regioselective Glycosylation of Unprotected Phenyl 1‐Thioglycopyranosides with Phenylboronic Acid as a Transient Masking Group
Authors: Fenger Thomas Hauch , Madsen Robert
Published: July 2013

A useful protocol is described for the regioselective glycosylation of the secondary alcohols in unprotected glycosyl acceptors. Phenyl 1‐thioglycopyranosides derived from D‐glucose, D‐galactose, D‐glucosamine, L‐rhamnose, and L‐fucose were treated with phenylboronic acid to install a temporary boronic ester, and then submitted to a Koenigs–Knorr glycosylation with perbenzoylated glucopyranosyl or galactopyranosyl bromides. Good yields for coupling to the 3‐position in glucosides and galactosides were achieved, but lower yields were obtained with the other acceptors. With phenyl 1‐thio‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside, the coupling could also be achieved with a superarmed thiogalactoside donor. The product from a glucose–glucose coupling could be subjected to a second regioselective glycosylation at the 6‐position. In the galactose series, a β(1→3)‐linked galactotriose could be prepared in good yield by two consecutive glycosylations in one pot, where a free 2‐hydroxy group ensures neighboring group participation in the second coupling.
Sensory profile of pink port wines: Development of a flavour lexicon
Authors: Monteiro Bebiana , Vilela Alice , Correia Elisete
Published: July 2013

Port wine is a Portuguese fortified wine produced exclusively in the Douro Valley. Under the guidelines of the European Union Protected Designation of Origin, only products from Portugal may be labelled as Port or Porto. Pink port was first released in 2008, so it is a very recent variation in the market. Sensory evaluation has been widely applied in different fields in the wine industry, especially for testing quality, for product design and marketing. Herein, we evaluated the applicability of sensory techniques in the pink port wine industry, in order to assist winery operations in characterizing pink port wine sensory properties. To achieve these goals, our study was divided into several steps: the selection and training of panellists by using triangle and ranking tests, the identification and selection of descriptors and, finally, establishing a sensory profile with non‐parametric multivariate analytical techniques such as categorical principal components analysis and multivariate analysis of variance, of several pink port brands. From the brands studied we conclude that three of them are very similar in terms of attributes, while the other two have different organoleptic characteristics. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Natural Gas Liquids: Price Regulation Allowing NGL Pipelines to Adjust to Current Conditions
Authors: Webb Michael J. , Williams Julia C.
Published: July 2013

Production of natural gas liquids (NGLs) has become an integral part of the North American energy renaissance. Indeed, as natural gas prices and oil prices have decoupled, higher oil prices have created incentives to develop natural gas plays containing greater liquids. Consequently, the ability to economically transport NGLs from production areas to major trading has become an important issue. Consequently, understanding pipeline regulation plays an important role in overall economics.
Water column denitrification rates in the oxygen minimum layer of the Pacific Ocean along 32°S
Authors: Kim Il‐Nam , Min Dong‐Ha , Macdonald Alison M.
Published: July 2013

To date, estimates of water column denitrification rates in global‐ and basin‐scale nitrogen budgets do not include any values obtained in the open ocean outside the oxygen minimum zones (OMZs). The high‐quality, 32°S Pacific repeat hydrographic surveys conducted in 1992, 2003, and 2010 offer an opportunity to estimate denitrification rates on basin scales in the open ocean away from the Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP) oxygen minimum zones. Here, extended optimum multiparameter analysis and N* are used to estimate water column denitrification (ΔNdeni) in the oxygen minimum layer (OML; 1100–2000 dbar). Water column denitrification rates for 2003 and 2010 are estimated from the regression analysis using ΔNdeni and transit time distribution ages based on CFC12. Estimated mean denitrification rates in the OML at 32°S range from 3.1 to 7.5 µmol N m−3 yr−1 (=2.6–6.8 mmol N m−2 yr−1 with a thickness of 900 m). The OML denitrification rates are 2–3 orders of magnitudes lower than those estimated in the OMZs of ETP. However, their significance to Pacific nitrogen budget needs to be investigated in the future. Although uncertainties remain, our results may ultimately contribute to an improved understanding of marine nitrogen cycles.
Interannual variations in degree‐2 Earth's gravity coefficients C2,0, C2,2, and S2,2 reveal large‐scale mass transfers of climatic origin
Authors: Meyssignac B. , Lemoine J. M. , Cheng M. , Cazenave A. , Gégout P. , Maisongrande P.
Published: July 2013

Several recent studies have shown evidences for large water transfers in the climate system at interannual to decadal time scales, in particular during El Niño‐Southern Oscillation events. In this study, we investigate further these water transfers and their signature in the gravity field. We analyze variations of the low‐degree spherical harmonics C2,0 (Earth's oblateness), C2,2, and S2,2 (eccentricity at the Earth's equator) from satellite laser ranging data during the 19 year period 1993–2012. We also estimate the water mass transfers in the climate system using satellite altimetry corrected for the steric effect, atmospheric reanalysis, and land hydrology models. We find a large signal in the water mass redistribution during the 1997/1998 El Niño which is consistent with an increase of the ocean mass in the tropical Pacific, a decrease of water storage in the Amazon Basin, and an increase of water storage in the Congo Basin.
Degradation of an internal wave beam by parametric subharmonic instability in an upper ocean pycnocline
Authors: Gayen B. , Sarkar S.
Published: July 2013

Numerical simulations are performed to investigate the interaction of a semidiurnal internal wave (IW) beam with the nonuniform stratification of an upper ocean pycnocline. During the initial stage of the interaction, higher harmonics originate after reflection of the IW beam at the caustic and are trapped in the pycnocline. In cases where the pycnocline thickness is sufficiently large (approximately larger than twice the dominant wavelength in the beam), the incoming beam undergoes a parametric subharmonic instability (PSI) during refraction through the pycnocline at later time. Consequently, there is significant energy transfer to subharmonic motions that exhibit exponential growth with a rate of 2/3 day−1. The instability is demonstrated to be a resonant triad interaction by diagnostics in both wave frequency and wave number spaces. Smaller vertical scales originate during the PSI, lead to wave steepening, and produce convective overturns. This work identifies a potential mechanism that drives IW beam degradation during its propagation through the upper ocean.
Transitions of cloud‐topped marine boundary layers characterized by AIRS, MODIS, and a large eddy simulation model
Authors: Yue Qing , Kahn Brian H. , Xiao Heng , Schreier Mathias M. , Fetzer Eric J. , Teixeira João , Sušelj Kay
Published: July 2013

Cloud top entrainment instability (CTEI) is a hypothesized positive feedback between entrainment mixing and evaporative cooling near the cloud top. Previous theoretical and numerical modeling studies have shown that the persistence or breakup of marine boundary layer (MBL) clouds may be sensitive to the CTEI parameter. Collocated thermodynamic profile and cloud observations obtained from the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) instruments are used to quantify the relationship between the CTEI parameter and the cloud‐topped MBL transition from stratocumulus to trade cumulus in the northeastern Pacific Ocean. Results derived from AIRS and MODIS are compared with numerical results from the UCLA large eddy simulation (LES) model for both well‐mixed and decoupled MBLs. The satellite and model results both demonstrate a clear correlation between the CTEI parameter and MBL cloud fraction. Despite fundamental differences between LES steady state results and the instantaneous snapshot type of observations from satellites, significant correlations for both the instantaneous pixel‐scale observations and the long‐term averaged spatial patterns between the CTEI parameter and MBL cloud fraction are found from the satellite observations and are consistent with LES results. This suggests the potential of using AIRS and MODIS to quantify global and temporal characteristics of the cloud‐topped MBL transition.
Quantifying the uncertainties of advection and boundary layer dynamics on the diurnal carbon dioxide budget
Authors: Pino D. , Kaikkonen J.‐P. , de Arellano J. Vilà‐Guerau
Published: July 2013

We investigate the uncertainties in the carbon dioxide (CO2) mixing ratio and inferred surface flux associated with boundary layer processes and advection by using mixed‐layer theory. By extending the previous analysis presented by Pino et al. (2012), new analytical expressions are derived to quantify the uncertainty of CO2 mixing ratio or surface flux associated to, among others, boundary layer depth, early morning CO2 mixing ratio at the mixed layer or at the free atmosphere; or CO2 advection. We identify and calculate two sorts of uncertainties associated to the CO2 mixing ratio and surface flux: instantaneous and past (due to advection). The numerical experiments are guided and constrained by meteorological and CO2 observations taken at the Cabauw 213 m tower. We select 2 days (25 September 2003 and 12 March 2004) with a well‐defined convective boundary layer but different CO2 advection contributions. Our sensitivity analysis shows that uncertainty of the CO2 advection in the boundary layer due to instantaneous uncertainties represents at 1600 LT on 12 March 2004 a contribution of 2 ppm and 0.072 mg m−2s−1 in the uncertainty of the CO2 mixing ratio and inferred surface flux, respectively. Taking into account that the monthly averaged minimum CO2 surface flux for March 2004 was −0.55 mg m−2s−1, the error on the surface flux is on the order of 10%. By including CO2 advection in the analytical expressions, we demonstrate that the uncertainty of the CO2 mixing ratio or surface flux also depends on the past uncertainties of the boundary layer depth.
Persistent human herpesvirus‐6 infection in patients with an inherited form of the virus
Authors: Pantry Shara N. , Medveczky Maria M. , Arbuckle Jesse H. , Luka Janos , Montoya Jose G. , Hu Jianhong , Renne Rolf , Peterson Daniel , Pritchett Joshua C. , Ablashi Dharam V. , Medveczky Peter G.
Published: July 2013

Human herpesvirus‐6 (HHV‐6)A and 6B are ubiquitous betaherpesviruses viruses with lymphotropic and neurotropic potential. As reported earlier, these viruses establish latency by integration into the telomeres of host chromosomes. Chromosomally integrated HHV‐6 (CIHHV‐6) can be transmitted vertically from parent to child. Some CIHHV‐6 patients are suffering from neurological symptoms, while others remain asymptomatic. Four patients with CIHHV‐6 and CNS dysfunction were treated with valganciclovir or foscarnet. HHV‐6 replication was detected by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction amplification of a late envelope glycoprotein. In this study we also compared the inherited and persistent HHV‐6 viruses by DNA sequencing. The prevalence of CIHHV‐6 in this cohort of adult patients from the USA suffering from a wide range of neurological symptoms including long‐term fatigue were found significantly greater than the reported 0.8% in the general population. Long‐term antiviral therapy inhibited HHV‐6 replication as documented by loss of viral mRNA production. Sequence comparison of the mRNA and the inherited viral genome revealed that the transcript is produced by an exogenous virus. In conclusion, the data presented here document that some individuals with CIHHV‐6 are infected persistently with exogenous HHV‐6 strains that lead to a wide range of neurological symptoms; the proposed name for this condition is inherited herpesvirus 6 syndrome or IHS. J Med. Virol. 85:1940–1946, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Impact of Coping Style and PTSD on Family Functioning After Deployment in Operation Desert Shield/Storm Returnees
Authors: Creech Suzannah K. , Benzer Justin K. , Liebsack Brittany K. , Proctor Susan , Taft Casey T.
Published: July 2013

The relationship between military combat and postdeployment family functioning difficulties has been frequently investigated in the literature, as has the relationship between types of coping and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Few studies, however, have examined these variables together, and no studies of which we are aware have examined the effect of coping on family functioning after combat exposure. This study examined coping style measured immediately after return from deployment, and PTSD symptoms and family functioning 18–24 months after return from deployment in a sample of Operation Desert Shield/Storm veterans (N = 2,949). Structural equation models suggested that the relationships between distinct coping styles on family functioning were differentially mediated by postdeployment PTSD symptoms. Results are consistent with full mediation for avoidant coping (βdirect = −.09, p = .07; βindirect = −.17, p < .001) and partial mediation for approach coping (βdirect = .16, p < .001; βindirect = .09, p < .001). Results suggest that the strategies used to cope with a combat stress event may impact both PTSD and family functioning outcomes, and highlight the potential utility of pre‐ and postdeployment coping skills training.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Is Associated With Emotional Eating
Authors: Talbot Lisa S. , Maguen Shira , Epel Elissa S. , Metzler Thomas J. , Neylan Thomas C.
Published: July 2013

The present study investigated the relationship between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and emotional eating in a sample of medically healthy and medication‐free adults. Participants with PTSD (n = 44) and control participants free of lifetime psychiatric history (n = 49) completed a measure of emotional eating. Emotional eating is the tendency to eat or overeat in response to negative emotions. PTSD participants exhibited greater emotional eating than control participants (η2 = .20) and emotional eating increased with higher PTSD symptom severity (R2 = .11). Results supported the stress‐eating‐obesity model whereby emotional eating is a maladaptive response to stressors. Over time, this could lead to weight gain, particularly abdominal stores, and contribute to higher risk for comorbid medical disorders. Findings suggest the importance of future longitudinal research to understand whether emotional eating contributes to the high rates of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease in PTSD.
Relationships Among Predeployment Risk Factors, Warzone‐Threat Appraisal, and Postdeployment PTSD Symptoms
Authors: Franz Molly R. , Wolf Erika J. , MacDonald Helen Z. , Marx Brian P. , Proctor Susan P. , Vasterling Jennifer J.
Published: July 2013

Previous research indicates a relationship between perceived fear for one's safety (i.e., threat appraisal) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This prospective study examined relationships among deployment‐ and predeployment‐related variables, threat appraisal, and postdeployment PTSD symptom severity. Prior to Iraq deployment, 774 U.S. Army soldiers completed self‐report measures assessing previous life stressors, deployment history, current (predeployment) PTSD symptoms, deployment preparedness, and unit cohesion. Following deployment, participants completed self‐report measures assessing combat intensity, deployment threat appraisal, and current (postdeployment) PTSD symptoms. Structural equation modeling revealed that predeployment PTSD symptom severity, prior warzone deployment, unit cohesion, and preparedness were each independently associated with deployment threat appraisal, even after taking into account combat intensity. Deployment threat appraisal was associated with postdeployment PTSD severity. Results indicated that predeployment PTSD symptom severity, history of warzone deployment, and preparedness—risk factors previously thought to influence PTSD outcomes directly—were either partially or fully mediated by threat appraisal. The model explained 15% of the variance in deployment threat appraisal and 50% of the variance in postdeployment PTSD severity. Helping service members cope with exposure to extreme stress during deployment by modifying certain prewar risk factors may facilitate reduction of PTSD symptoms following deployment.
Loving‐Kindness Meditation for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Pilot Study
Authors: Kearney David J. , Malte Carol A. , McManus Carolyn , Martinez Michelle E. , Felleman Ben , Simpson Tracy L.
Published: July 2013

Loving‐kindness meditation is a practice designed to enhance feelings of kindness and compassion for self and others. Loving‐kindness meditation involves repetition of phrases of positive intention for self and others. We undertook an open pilot trial of loving‐kindness meditation for veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Measures of PTSD, depression, self‐compassion, and mindfulness were obtained at baseline, after a 12‐week loving‐kindness meditation course, and 3 months later. Effect sizes were calculated from baseline to each follow‐up point, and self‐compassion was assessed as a mediator. Attendance was high; 74% attended 9–12 classes. Self‐compassion increased with large effect sizes and mindfulness increased with medium to large effect sizes. A large effect size was found for PTSD symptoms at 3‐month follow‐up (d = −0.89), and a medium effect size was found for depression at 3‐month follow‐up (d = −0.49). There was evidence of mediation of reductions in PTSD symptoms and depression by enhanced self‐compassion. Overall, loving‐kindness meditation appeared safe and acceptable and was associated with reduced symptoms of PTSD and depression. Additional study of loving‐kindness meditation for PTSD is warranted to determine whether the changes seen are due to the loving‐kindness meditation intervention versus other influences, including concurrent receipt of other treatments.
Is the Holocaust Implicated in Posttraumatic Growth in Second‐Generation Holocaust Survivors? A Prospective Study
Authors: Dekel Sharon , Mandl Christine , Solomon Zahava
Published: July 2013

With the growing interest in posttraumatic growth (PTG), and the ongoing debate on the implications of transgenerational transmission of trauma, this longitudinal study examined PTG among Holocaust survivor offspring following their own exposure to trauma. Using self‐report questionnaires, we assessed PTG over time in middle aged (age: M = 53 years) Israeli male combat veterans of the 1973 Yom Kippur War whose parents were (n = 43) and were not (n = 156) second‐generation survivors of the Nazi Holocaust at 2 time points: 30 and 35 years following the war (in 2003 and 2008). Posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and trauma exposure were also assessed in 1991. We hypothesized that second‐generation survivors would report more PTG than controls. However, repeated measures design revealed that the second‐generation veterans reported less PTG than veterans who were not second generation, which was evident in the PTG domains of relations to others, personal strength, and appreciation of life. Our findings suggest that transmission of trauma from one generation to the next is possibly implicated in the offspring's propensity for growth following subsequent trauma. Future research is warranted to examine the link between transmission of trauma and positive outcomes following trauma.
Protein Gradient Films of Fibroin and Gelatine
Authors: Claussen Kai U. , Lintz Eileen S. , Giesa Reiner , Schmidt Hans‐Werner , Scheibel Thomas
Published: July 2013

Gradients are a natural design principle in biological systems that are used to diminish stress concentration where materials of differing mechanical properties connect. An interesting example of a natural gradient material is byssus, which anchors mussels to rocks and other hard substrata. Building upon previous work with synthetic polymers and inspired by byssal threads, protein gradient films are cast using glycerine‐plasticized gelatine and fibroin exhibiting a highly reproducible and smooth mechanical gradient, which encompasses a large range of modulus from 160 to 550 MPa. The reproducible production of biocompatible gradient films represents a first step towards medical applications.
Self‐Assembly of Globular‐Protein‐Containing Block Copolymers
Authors: Olsen Bradley D.
Published: July 2013

Self‐assembly has emerged as a powerful approach to control nanostructure in materials containing globular proteins, both through templated self‐assembly and direct self‐assembly of globular protein‐polymer conjugates or fusion proteins. The folded structures of globular proteins that are critical to their function introduce complex shapes and interactions into block copolymers that significantly alter the physics of self‐assembly. This article discusses the different methods for controlling the nanostructure of globular proteins using block copolymers, highlighting efforts at understanding the physics of self‐assembly in concentrated solution and solid‐state bioconjugate copolymers.

magnified image
Fetal and neonatal atrial arrhythmias: an association with maternal diabetes and neonatal macrosomia
Authors: Pike J. I. , Krishnan A. , Kaltman J. , Donofrio M. T.
Published: July 2013

Objective

To determine if the incidence of maternal diabetes mellitus or neonatal macrosomia is more frequent in fetuses and neonates with atrial arrhythmias than the general population.

Methods

Fetuses and neonates <30 days of age with atrial flutter or ectopic atrial tachycardia and structurally normal hearts were identified retrospectively through the cardiology databases. Electrocardiograms, echocardiograms, and medical records of mothers and infants were reviewed.

Results

Thirty‐one patients (15 fetuses, 12 diagnosed in‐utero) were identified. Infants with atrial flutter or ectopic atrial tachycardia were more likely to be macrosomic or to be born to diabetic mothers than the general population. Two had left atrial dimension z‐scores above +2, and two had interventricular thickness z‐scores above +2. Eighteen of 19 had abnormal mitral E/A ratios, suggesting left ventricular diastolic dysfunction.

Conclusions

Fetuses and neonates with atrial flutter or ectopic atrial tachycardia were more likely to be macrosomic or be born to diabetic mothers than the general population. Postnatal echocardiography suggests that there may be abnormal diastolic left ventricular filling in some babies with these arrhythmias. Independent of ventricular hypertrophy, we speculate that isolated, non‐recurrent fetal or neonatal atrial flutter, or ectopic atrial tachycardia may be caused by cardiac diastolic dysfunction and atrial stretch in utero. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Glycaemic streaming in type 1 diabetes: implications for intervention?
Authors: Gill GV , Wallymahmed ME , Wallymahmed A , MacFarlane IA , Woodward A
Published: July 2013

Evidence exists that mean glycaemia in individuals with type 1 diabetes may remain remarkably constant (glycaemic ‘streaming’ or ‘tracking’). We have re‐examined this in a group of type 1 patients, to explore whether any subgroups may be more or less amenable to glycaemic improvement.

We made a retrospective analysis between 2003 and 2007 of 181 people with type 1 diabetes. Basic demographic information, and sequential glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels during the five‐year follow‐up period (2003–2007), were recorded. First (2003) and last HbA1c levels were recorded, and mean HbA1c for the whole period. These were analysed as a total group, by gender, and by glycaemic control (initial HbA1c over or below 64mmol/mol [8.0%]).

Mean age was 41±8 years, diabetes duration 19±9 years, 58% were male, and mean HbA1c was 75±17mmol/mol (9.0±1.6%). Over the study period there was a small improvement in total population mean HbA1c (75±17 to 72±16mmol/mol [9.0±1.6 to 8.7±1.5%], p=0.003). This was accounted for by improvements in male (74±17 to 70±15mmol/mol [8.9±1.6 to 8.6±1.4%], p=0.005) and poorly‐controlled (HbA1c ≥65mmol/mol [8.1%]) patients (79±15 to 75±15mmol/mol [9.4±1.4 to 9.0±1.4%], p=0.002). Female and well‐controlled (HbA1c ≤64mmol/mol [8.0%]) patients showed no change in mean glycaemia.

Most patients maintained closely similar HbA1c levels over time. Interventions in type 1 diabetes may be more usefully aimed at risk factors rather than glycaemia. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons.
Cardiovascular safety and GLP‐1 receptor agonists
Authors: Carty David M , Drummond Russell , Fisher Miles
Published: July 2013

Owing to the situation that exists following the rosiglitazone controversy aligned with the high cardiovascular risk profile that underlies type 2 diabetes mellitus, there is a requirement from the licensing agencies that new antidiabetic drugs must be shown not to increase cardiovascular risk during phase 3 development. This includes studying patients with high cardiovascular risk, who were previously excluded from phase 2 studies.

All of the currently available GLP‐1 receptor agonists (exenatide, liraglutide, lixisenatide) have satisfied these safety criteria, with the suggestion that there might be some cardiovascular benefit with this class. Large randomised controlled trials are ongoing to assess safety as well as potential benefit. The results of these randomised controlled trials will influence the long‐term use of GLP‐1 receptor agonists and their place in treatment guidelines. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons. Practical Diabetes 2013; 30(6): 242–245
Design of a Novel Mesoporous Organosilica Hybrid Microcarrier: a pH Stimuli‐Responsive Dual‐Drug‐Delivery Vehicle for Intracellular Delivery of Anticancer Agents
Authors: Moorthy Madhappan Santha , Bae Jae‐Ho , Kim Mi‐Ju , Kim Sun‐Hee , Ha Chang‐Sik
Published: July 2013

The integration of unique functionality into mesoporous organosilica hybrid carriers is an important issue in solving the challenges of dual/multi delivery for combined therapy with drugs with a distinct therapeutic effects. Newly designed mesoporous organosilica hybrid microcarriers (HMCs) are synthesized on the basis of the triblock‐copolymer‐templated sol–gel method. The synthesized HMCs, which integrate both heteroaromatic pyridine and diurea functionalities, are combined in a mesoporous organosilica hybrid network to design functional hybrid microcarriers with a range of mechanisms for the pH‐triggered release of two drugs. The drugs include the hydrophilic anticancer therapeutic agent 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) and the non‐steroidal hydrophobic anti‐inflammatory drug ibuprofen (IBU). 5‐FU and IBU are encapsulated in the HMCs using multiple hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interaction sites and are delivered under a range of pH conditions. The release of 5‐FU and IBU is tested at pH 5.5 and 7.4. The results show that the release is sensitive to pH. The antitumor activity of the released 5‐FU is evaluated using the MCF‐7 cell line. The released 5‐FU has the capacity to kill cancer cells under acidic pH conditions.
A study of the anti‐plasmodium activity of angiotensin II analogs
Authors: Chamlian Mayra , Bastos Erick L. , Maciel Ceres , Capurro Margareth L. , Miranda Antonio , Silva Adriana F. , Torres Marcelo Der T. , Oliveira Vani X.
Published: July 2013

Controlling the dissemination of malaria requires the development of new drugs against its etiological agent, a protozoan of the Plasmodium genus. Angiotensin II and its analog peptides exhibit activity against the development of immature and mature sporozoites of Plasmodium gallinaceum. In this study, we report the synthesis and characterization of angiotensin II linear and cyclic analogs with anti‐plasmodium activity. The peptides were synthesized by a conventional solid‐phase method on Merrifield's resin using the t‐Boc strategy, purified by RP‐HPLC and characterized by liquid chromatography/ESI (+) MS (LC‐ESI(+)/MS), amino acid analysis, and capillary electrophoresis. Anti‐plasmodium activity was measured in vitro by fluorescence microscopy using propidium iodine uptake as an indicator of cellular damage. The activities of the linear and cyclic peptides are not significantly different (p < 0.05). Kinetics studies indicate that the effects of these peptides on plasmodium viability overtime exhibit a sigmoidal profile and that the system stabilizes after a period of 1 h for all peptides examined. The results were rationalized by partial least‐square analysis, assessing the position‐wise contribution of each amino acid. The highest contribution of polar amino acids and a Lys residue proximal to the C‐terminus, as well as that of hydrophobic amino acids in the N‐terminus, suggests that the mechanism underlying the anti‐malarial activity of these peptides is attributed to its amphiphilic character. Copyright © 2013 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design of NK‐2‐derived peptides with improved activity against equine sarcoid cells
Authors: Gross Stephanie , Wilms Dominik , Krause Jannike , Brezesinski Gerald , Andrä Jörg
Published: July 2013

Equine sarcoid is a topically accessible model for the evaluation of anticancer peptides acting by physical membrane disruption avoiding the complexity of a systemic application. We aim at evaluating and improving natural peptides for host defence as lead structures, where we focus on the cationic and amphipathic peptide NK‐2. Cytotoxicity tests, fluorescence microscopy and a chip‐based biosensor, which enabled real‐time monitoring of cell metabolism, were applied. Cancer cell killing was dynamic with an initial phase of increased cellular respiration, followed by membrane destruction. NK‐2 was substantially improved and shortened. Novel peptides exhibited a fivefold improved activity against sarcoid cells, while haemolysis remained almost unaltered. Similar Zeta potential and similar amount of surface phosphatidylserine of sarcoid and normal skin cells are responsible for a lack of selectivity between these two cell types. Copyright © 2013 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electronic comparison of InAs wurtzite and zincblende phases using nanowire transistors
Authors: Ullah A. R. , Joyce H. J. , Burke A. M. , Wong‐Leung J. , Tan H. H. , Jagadish C. , Micolich A. P.
Published: July 2013

magnified image

We compare the electronic characteristics of nanowire field‐effect transistors made using single pure wurtzite and pure zincblende InAs nanowires grown from identical catalyst particles. We compare the transfer characteristics and field‐effect mobility versus temperature for these devices to better understand how differences in InAs phase govern the electronic properties of nanowire transistors. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Sonographic predictors of postnatal bowel atresia in fetal gastroschisis
Authors: Goetzinger K. R. , Tuuli M. G. , Longman R. E. , Huster K. M. , Odibo A. O. , Cahill A. G.
Published: July 2013

Objectives

To estimate the association between antenatal bowel dilation and postnatal small‐bowel atresia in fetal gastroschisis and to establish a threshold at which the risk of adverse neonatal outcome increases.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of singleton gestations with an antenatal diagnosis of gastroschisis seen in our ultrasound unit from 2001 to 2010. We reviewed stored images from the last ultrasound examination before delivery, blinded to postnatal diagnoses and outcomes. Fetal intra‐ and extra‐abdominal bowel dilation (IABD and EABD, respectively) and bowel‐wall thickness were measured. Previously published definitions of bowel dilation, including > 6, > 10, > 14 and > 18 mm, were evaluated for association with the primary outcome of bowel atresia. The optimal threshold to define fetal bowel dilation was determined by evaluating the significance of association as well as test performance characteristics.

Results

Of 109 consecutive patients with fetal gastroschisis, there were four cases of intrauterine fetal demise and three neonatal deaths. Of the 94 live births with complete outcome data, 39 (41.5%) had measurable IABD. There were 14 (14.9%) cases of bowel atresia. Using a threshold of > 14 mm, IABD was significantly associated with an increased risk for bowel atresia (relative risk, 3.1 (95% CI, 1.2–8.2)) with a sensitivity of 57.1%, specificity of 75.0%, positive predictive value of 28.6% and negative predictive value of 90.9%. IABD > 14 mm was also associated with a significantly longer stay in neonatal intensive care unit. There was no significant association between EABD and bowel atresia at any of the thresholds evaluated.

Conclusion

IABD > 14 mm is associated with an increased risk for postnatal bowel atresia in fetal gastroschisis. This finding may be useful in counseling patients regarding the anticipated postnatal course for their neonate. Copyright © 2013 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Messenger RNA‐based vaccines: progress, challenges, applications
Authors: Kramps Thomas , Probst Jochen
Published: July 2013

Twenty years after the demonstration that messenger RNA (mRNA) was expressed and immunogenic upon direct injection in mice, the first successful proof‐of‐concept of specific protection against viral infection in small and large animals was reported. These data indicate wider applicability to infectious disease and should encourage continued translation of mRNA‐based prophylactic vaccines into human clinical trials. At the conceptual level, mRNA‐based vaccines—more than other genetic vectors—combine the simplicity, safety, and focused immunogenicity of subunit vaccines with favorable immunological properties of live viral vaccines: (1) mRNA vaccines are molecularly defined and carry no excess information. In the environment and upon physical contact, RNA is rapidly degraded by ubiquitous RNases and cannot persist. These characteristics also guarantee tight control over their immunogenic profile (including avoidance of vector‐specific immune responses that could interfere with repeated administration), pharmacokinetics, and dosing. (2) mRNA vaccines are synthetically produced by an enzymatic process, just requiring information about the nucleic acid sequence of the desired antigen. This greatly reduces general complications associated with biological vaccine production, such as handling of infectious agents, genetic variability, environmental risks, or restrictions to vaccine distribution. (3) RNA can be tailored to provide potent adjuvant stimuli to the innate immune system by direct activation of RNA‐specific receptors; this may reduce the need for additional adjuvants. The formation of native antigen in situ affords great versatility, including intracellular localization, membrane association, posttranslational modification, supra‐molecular assembly, or targeted structural optimization of delivered antigen. Messenger RNA vaccines induce balanced immune responses including B cells, helper T cells, and cytotoxic T lymphocytes, rendering them an extremely adaptable platform. This article surveys the design, mode of action, and capabilities of state‐of‐the‐art mRNA vaccines, focusing on the paradigm of influenza prophylaxis. WIREs RNA 2013, 4:737–749. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1189

This article is categorized under:

Translation > Translation Regulation

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease

RNA Methods > RNA Analyses in Cells
Antioxidant Properties of Three Aromatic Herbs (Rosemary, Thyme and Lavender) in Oil‐in‐Water Emulsions
Authors: Gallego M. Gabriela , Gordon Michael H. , Segovia Francisco J. , Skowyra Monika , Almajano María P.
Published: July 2013

Lipid oxidation is the major form of deterioration in foods because it decreases food quality and nutritional value, and may have negative health implications. Selected aromatic plant extracts from leaves, flowers and stems of rosemary, thyme and lavender were investigated for their antioxidant activity. The total polyphenol content was determined by the Folin–Ciocalteu assay and the antioxidant capacity was determined by the Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity, 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl, oxygen radical absorbance capacity and ferric‐reducing antioxidant power assays. For all four antioxidant assays, the extracts from thyme flowers, lavender leaves and thyme leaves had the highest antioxidant activity, followed by rosemary stems, rosemary leaves, and lavender stems, and the lavender flowers and thyme stems had the lowest antioxidant activity. The antioxidant activity was correlated with the polyphenol content, although minor deviations were observed. In oil‐in‐water emulsion, extracts from rosemary leaves and thyme leaves were most effective at retarding oxidation followed by the rosemary stems and thyme flowers. Extracts from thyme flowers and lavender leaves were less effective in the emulsion than predicted by the homogeneous antioxidant assays. This study demonstrated the potential use of plants extract as substitutes for synthetic antioxidants.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) suppression of glucocorticoid receptor phosphorylation does not account for repression of transactivation
Authors: Webster Marketon Jeanette I. , Corry Jacqueline
Published: July 2013

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)‐induced bronchiolitis in infants, although inflammatory in nature, is not responsive to glucocorticoids. We have recently shown that RSV‐infected lung epithelial cells have impaired glucocorticoid receptor (GR)‐mediated transactivation. In this study, we show that the N‐terminal region of GR is required for RSV repression of GR transactivation and that RSV infection of lung epithelial cells reduces ligand‐dependent GR phosphorylation at serine 211 and serine 226. However, we also show that these changes in GR phosphorylation do not account for the RSV repression of GR transactivation suggesting other regions of the GR N‐terminus must also be involved.
Exploring the Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor-Associated Proteome with iTRAQ and Transgenic Mice
Authors: McClure-Begley Tristan D. , Stone Kathy L. , Marks Michael J. , Grady Sharon R. , Colangelo Christopher M. , Lindstrom Jon M. , Picciotto Marina R.
Published: July 2013

Neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) containing α4 and β2 subunits are the principal receptors in the mammalian central nervous system that bind nicotine with high affinity. These nAChRs are involved in nicotine dependence, mood disorders, neurodegeneration and neuroprotection. However, our understanding of the interactions between α4β2-containing (α4β2∗) nAChRs and other proteins remains limited. In this study, we identified proteins that interact with α4β2∗ nAChRs in a genedose dependent pattern by immunopurifying β2∗ nAChRs from mice that differ in α4 and β2 subunit expression and performing proteomic analysis using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ). Reduced expression of either the α4 or the β2 subunit results in a correlated decline in the expression of a number of putative interacting proteins. We identified 208 proteins co-immunoprecipitated with these nAChRs. Furthermore, stratified linear regression analysis indicated that levels of 17 proteins was correlated significantly with expression of α4β2 nAChRs, including proteins involved in cytoskeletal rearrangement and calcium signaling. These findings represent the first application of quantitative proteomics to produce a β2∗ nAChR interactome and describe a novel technique used to discover potential targets for pharmacological manipulation of α4β2 nAChRs and their downstream signaling mechanisms.
International Nongovernmental Organizations and the Global Diffusion of National Human Rights Institutions
Authors: Kim Dongwook
Published: July 2013

During the past three decades national human rights institutions (NHRIs) have spread to more than one hundred United Nations (UN) member states and become key to human rights enforcement and democratic accountability. Given that NHRIs can take on a life of their own even under adverse conditions, why do governments in the developing world create permanent, independent national bodies with statutory powers to promote and protect human rights? Human rights international nongovernmental organizations (INGOs) are crucial for global diffusion. They empower local actors and influence governments in favor of NHRI adoption by mediating the human rights and NHRI discourses and mobilizing shame internationally. An event history analysis offers robust evidence that controlling for the UN, regional organizations, and other rival factors, human rights INGOs have systematic positive effects on diffusion. The case studies of South Korea and Malaysia provide process-tracing evidence that the hypothesized causal mechanisms are operative.
Preface
Authors: MENDONÇA J. T. , SHUKLA P. K. , ELIASSON B. , RODRIGUES J. A.
Published: July 2013

The “International Topical Conference on Plasma Science: Advanced Plasma Concepts” was hosted by Instituto Superior Técnico, Lisbon and the University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal, during the period 24–28 September 2012. The conference was organized by Padma Kant Shukla, (Ruhr University Bochum, Germany), Robert Bingham (RAL, United Kingdom) and José Tito Mendonça, (IST, Portugal). The scientific activity belongs to a series of successful meetings, which started at the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics, Trieste, in 1989, and which has also been taking place at various other locations, including Faro and Lisbon in Portugal, and Santorini in Greece.