bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
E3 Ubiquitin Ligase Tripartite Motif 38 Negatively Regulates TLR-Mediated Immune Responses by Proteasomal Degradation of TNF Receptor-Associated Factor 6 in Macrophages
Authors: Zhao Wei , Wang Lijuan , Zhang Meng , Yuan Chao , Gao Chengjiang
Published: February 2012

Activation of TLR signaling in the innate immune cells is critical for the elimination of invading microorganisms. However, uncontrolled activation may lead to autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. In this article, we report the identification of tripartite motif (TRIM) 38 as a negative feedback regulator in TLR signaling by targeting TNFR-associated factor 6 (TRAF6). TRIM38 was induced by TLR stimulation in an NF-κB–dependent manner in macrophages. Knockdown of TRIM38 expression by small interfering RNA resulted in augmented activation of NF-κB and MAPKs, and enhanced expression of proinflammatory cytokines, whereas overexpression of TRIM38 has an opposite effect. As an E3 ligase, TRIM38 bound to TRAF6 and promoted K48-linked polyubiquitination, which led to the proteasomal degradation of TRAF6. Consistently, knockdown of TRIM38 expression resulted in higher protein level of TRAF6 in primary macrophages. Our findings defined a novel function for TRIM38 to prevent excessive TLR-induced inflammatory responses through proteasomal degradation of TRAF6.
Achmat Davids places the Cape Muslims on the South African linguistic map
Authors: Haron Muhammed
Published: February 2012

South Africa’s Cape Muslim religious leaders creatively contributed towards the formation of Afrikaans linguistics, an issue that the South African academia seemed to have ignored and overlooked. By the beginning of the 20th century, the literary output of these religious leaders developed to form a unique genre of literature; a genre that is popularly referred to as “Arabic-Afrikaans” within the South African linguistic circles. Achmat Davids (1939–98), who may be regarded as the doyen of “Cape Islamic Studies,” was among a handful of scholars who devoted much of his time to study carefully this type of literature. As a consequence of his labour, he produced one of the most significant contemporary works in South African linguistics. This review essay reflects upon the importance of Davids’ path-breaking and invaluable study, which was recently co-edited by Hein Willemse and Suleman E. Dangor.
Om die miskende te laat ken: ’n blik op Adam Small se literêre verrekening van Kaaps
Authors: Hendricks Frank
Published: February 2012

This article examines the literary reflection of Kaaps in the oeuvre of Adam Small from the perspective of an egalitarian approach to linguistic diversity. According to this approach the standard and non-standardised varieties of a particular language, such as Afrikaans, should be regarded as linguistically equipollent and equally valid codes of communication. Alongside reflections on the dialectological and sociolinguistic nature of Kaaps as well as the contextualisation of Small’s choice of Kaaps as literary medium, it is shown how Small’s personal views on this variety of Afrikaans, the ways in which it is textually integrated and the portrayal of it’s linguistic nature implicitly serve as demarginalising and destigmatising mechanisms. It is emphasised how Small’s groundwork regarding the illumination of the intrinsic linguistic nature and functional sufficiency of Kaaps, have paved the way for Kaaps to be recognised as a potential feeder source in the re-standardisation of Afrikaans which appears to be imminent. This is viewed as one of Small’s great historical contributions.
Language and politics in the philosophy of Adam Small: some personal reflections
Authors: Cloete Michael
Published: February 2012

Small’s philosophy draws its inspiration from the humanistic tradition of Western philosophical thinking. His appropriation of this tradition is especially evident in his reformulation of the western legacy of “philosophy-as-dialogue”. From this perspective, Small proceeds by way of a linguistic turn, in which Kaaps (the language of “ordinary”, “simple” so-called “coloured people”) is presented as a worthy conduit of human reason in the pursuit of dialogue and justice in apartheid South Africa, in spite of numerous attempts over the years by racist-inspired scholarship to reduce the language to the level of ridicule and caricature. This article seeks to evaluate the philosophical merits of Small’s linguistic turn, in which the “will-to-dialogue” is postulated as the normative context for exploring the question of the possibility of being-human in apartheid South Africa.
Summertime photochemistry during CAREBeijing-2007: RO x budgets and O3 formation
Authors: Liu Z. , Wang Y. , Gu D. , Zhao C. , Huey L. G. , Stickel R. , Liao J. , Shao M. , Zhu T. , Zeng L. , Amoroso A. , Costabile F. , Chang C.-C. , Liu S.-C.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. We analyze summertime photochemistry near the surface over Beijing, China, using a 1-D photochemical model (Regional chEmical and trAnsport Model, REAM-1D) constrained by in situ observations, focusing on the budgets of ROx (OH + HO2 + RO2) radicals and O3 formation. The daytime average of total ROx primary production rate in Beijing is ~6.6 ppbv h−1, among the highest found in urban atmospheres. The largest primary ROx source in Beijing is photolysis of oxygenated volatile organic compounds (OVOCs), which produces HO2 and RO2 at average daytime rates of 2.5 ppbv h−1 and 1.7 ppbv h−1, respectively. Photolysis of excess HONO from the unknown heterogeneous source is a predominant primary OH source at 2.2 ppbv h−1, much larger than that of O1D + H2O (0.4 ppbv h−1). The largest ROx sink is via OH + NO2 reaction (1.6 ppbv h−1), followed by formation of RO2NO2 (1.0 ppbv h−1) and RONO2 (0.7 ppbv h−1). Due to the large aerosol surface area, aerosol uptake of HO2 appears to be another important radical sink, although the estimate of its magnitude is highly variable depending on the reactive uptake coefficient value used. The daytime average O3 production and loss rates are 32 ppbv h−1 and 6.2 ppbv h−1, respectively. Assuming NO2 to be the source of excess HONO, the NO2 to HONO transformation leads to significant O3 loss and reduction of its lifetime. Our observation-based modeling analyses suggest that VOCs and heterogeneous reactions (e.g. HONO formation and aerosol uptake HO2) play major roles in the primary radical budget and O3 formation in Beijing. Among the VOC precursors for OVOCs, which strongly affect ROx budgets and O3 formation, aromatics are the largest contributor. One important ramification is that O3 production is neither NOx nor VOC limited, but in a transition regime, where reduction of either NOx or VOCs could result in reduction of O3 production. The transition regime implies more flexibility in the O3 control strategies than a binary system of either NOx or VOC limited regime. Further research on the spatial extent of the transition regime over the polluted eastern China is critically important for controlling regional O3 pollution.
Latitudinal differences in the amplitude of the OAE-2 carbon isotopic excursion: pCO2 and paleo productivity
Authors: van Bentum E. C. , Reichart G.-J. , Forster A. , Sinninghe Damsté J. S.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. A complete, well-preserved record of the Cenomanian/Turonian (C/T) Oceanic Anoxic Event 2 (OAE-2) was recovered from Demerara Rise in the southern North Atlantic Ocean (ODP site 1260). Across this interval, we determined changes in the stable carbon isotopic composition of sulfur-bound phytane (δ13Cphytane), a biomarker for photosynthetic algae. The δ13Cphytane record shows a positive excursion at the onset of the OAE-2 interval, with an unusually large amplitude (~7‰) compared to existing C/T proto-North Atlantic δ13Cphytane records (3–6‰). Overall, the amplitude of the excursion of δ13Cphytane decreases with latitude. Using reconstructed sea surface temperature (SST) gradients for the proto-North Atlantic, we investigated environmental factors influencing the latitudinal δ13Cphytane gradient. The observed gradient is best explained by high productivity at DSDP Site 367 and Tarfaya basin before OAE-2, which changed in overall high productivity throughout the proto-North Atlantic during OAE-2. During OAE-2, productivity at site 1260 and 603B was thus more comparable to the mid-latitude sites. Using these constraints as well as the SST and δ13Cphytane-records from Site 1260, we subsequently reconstructed pCO2 levels across the OAE-2 interval. Accordingly, pCO2 decreased from ca. 1750 to 900 ppm during OAE-2, consistent with enhanced organic matter burial resulting in lowering pCO2. Whereas the onset of OAE-2 coincided with increased pCO2, in line with a volcanic trigger for this event, the observed cooling within OAE-2 probably resulted from CO2 sequestration in black shales outcompeting CO2 input into the atmosphere. Together these results show that the ice-free Cretaceous world was sensitive to changes in pCO2 related to perturbations of the global carbon cycle.
Glacial CO2 cycle as a succession of key physical and biogeochemical processes
Authors: Brovkin V. , Ganopolski A. , Archer D. , Munhoven G.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. During glacial-interglacial cycles, atmospheric CO2 concentration varied by about 100 ppmv in amplitude. While testing mechanisms that have led to the low glacial CO2 level could be done in equilibrium model experiments, an ultimate goal is to explain CO2 changes in transient simulations through the complete glacial-interglacial cycle. The computationally efficient Earth System model of intermediate complexity CLIMBER-2 is used to simulate global biogeochemistry over the last glacial cycle (126 kyr). The physical core of the model (atmosphere, ocean, land and ice sheets) is driven by orbital changes and reconstructed radiative forcing from greenhouses gases, ice, and aeolian dust. The carbon cycle model is able to reproduce the main features of the CO2 changes: a 50 ppmv CO2 drop during glacial inception, a minimum concentration at the last glacial maximum 80 ppmv lower than the Holocene value, and an abrupt 60 ppmv CO2 rise during the deglaciation. The model deep ocean δ13C also resembles reconstructions from deep-sea cores. The main drivers of atmospheric CO2 evolve in time: changes in sea surface temperatures and in the volume of bottom water of southern origin control atmospheric CO2 during the glacial inception and deglaciation; changes in carbonate chemistry and marine biology are dominant during the first and second parts of the glacial cycle, respectively. These feedback mechanisms could also significantly impact the ultimate climate response to the anthropogenic perturbation.
Analysis of projected hydrological behavior of catchments based on signature indices
Authors: Casper M. C. , Grigoryan G. , Gronz O. , Gutjahr O. , Heinemann G. , Ley R. , Rock A.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. To precisely map the changes in hydrologic response of catchments (e.g. water balance, reactivity or extremes), we need sensitive and interpretable indicators. In this study we defined nine hydrologically meaningful signature indices: five indices were sampled on the flow duration curve, four indices were closely linked to the distribution of event runoff coefficients. We applied these signature indices to the output from a hydrologic catchment model for three different catchments located in the Nahe basin (Western Germany) to detect differences in runoff behavior resulting from different meteorological input data. The models were driven by measured and simulated (COSMO-CLM) meteorological data. It could be shown that the application of signature indices is a very sensitive tool to assess differences in simulated runoff behavior resulting from climatic data sets of different sources. Specifically, the selected signature indices allow assessing changes in water balance, vertical water distribution, reactivity, seasonality and runoff generation. These indices showed that the hydrological model is very sensitive to biases in mean and spatio-temporal distribution of precipitation and temperature because it acts as a filter for the meteorological input. Besides model calibration and model structural deficits, we found that bias correction of temperature fields and further adjustment of bias correction of precipitation fields is absolutely essential. We conclude that signature indices can act as indirect "efficiency measures" or "similarity measures" for output from regional or local climate models.
Relationship between the spatial distribution of SMS messages reporting needs and building damage in 2010 Haiti disaster
Authors: Corbane C. , Lemoine G. , Kauffmann M.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. Just 4 days after the M = 7.1 earthquake on 12 January 2010, Haitians could send SMS messages about their location and urgent needs through the on-line mapping platform Ushahidi. This real-time crowdsourcing of crisis information provided direct support to key humanitarian resources on the ground, including Search and Rescue teams. In addition to its use as a knowledge base for rescue operations and aid provision, the spatial distribution of geolocated SMS messages may represent an early indicator on the spatial distribution and on the intensity of building damage. This work explores the relationship between the spatial patterns of SMS messages and building damage. The latter is derived from the detailed damage assessment of individual buildings interpreted in post-earthquake airborne photos. The interaction between SMS messages and building damage is studied by analyzing the spatial structure of the corresponding bivariate patterns. The analysis is performed through the implementation of cross Ripley's K-function which is suitable for characterizing the spatial structure of a bivariate pattern, and more precisely the spatial relationship between two types of point sets located in the same study area. The results show a strong attraction between the patterns exhibited by SMS messages and building damages. The interactions identified between the two patterns suggest that the geolocated SMS can be used as early indicators of the spatial distribution of building damage pattern. Accordingly, a statistical model has been developed to map the distribution of building damage from the geolocated SMS pattern. The study presented in this paper is the first attempt to derive quantitative estimates on the spatial patterns of novel crowdsourced information and correlate these to established methods in damage assessment using remote sensing data. The consequences of the study findings for rapid damage detection in post-emergency contexts are discussed.
Albedo parametrization and reversibility of sea ice decay
Authors: Müller-Stoffels M. , Wackerbauer R.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. The Arctic's sea ice cover has been receding rapidly in recent years, and global climate models typically predict a further decline over the next century. It is an open question whether a possible loss of Arctic sea ice is reversible. We study the stability of Arctic model sea ice in a conceptual, two-dimensional energy-based regular network model of the ice-ocean layer that considers ARM's longwave radiative budget data and SHEBA albedo measurements. Seasonal ice cover, perennial ice and perennial open water are asymptotic states accessible by the model. We show that the shape of albedo parameterization near the melting temperature differentiates between reversible continuous sea ice decrease under atmospheric forcing and hysteresis behavior. Fixed points induced solely by the surface energy budget are essential for understanding the interaction of surface energy with the radiative forcing and the underlying body of ice/water, particularly close to a bifurcation point. Future studies will explore ice edge stability and reversibility in this lattice model, generalized to a latitudinal transect with spatiotemporal lateral atmospheric heat transfer and high spatial resolution.
The responses to nursing care in cardiac surgery
Authors: Cavalcanti Ana Carla Dantas , Coelho Maria José
Published: February 2012

Objetivo: Identificar os tipos de comunicação interpessoal;  descrever as reações do cliente em pós-operatório de cirurgia cardíaca ao cuidado de enfermagem e analisar a especificidade deste. Métodos:Trata-se de pesquisa etnometodológica, que utilizou observação sistemática,  entrevista não-estruturada, fotografia, filmagem e diário de campo, respeitando-se os aspectos éticos. Os dados foram organizados e codificados para análise de conteúdo. Resultados: Os tipos de comunicação interpessoal identificados foram às características físicas do cliente, os fatores do meio ambiente da cirurgia cardíaca, a proxemia, a cinésica, a comunicação verbal, a tacêsica, os ruídos e a paralinguagem. Houve predominância das reações expressas na cabeça e pescoço.  A análise das reações decifrou emoções de surpresa, medo, dor, tristeza e felicidade. Conclusão: A cinésica  representou a linguagem do cliente destacando a importância da atenção dos profissionais da enfermagem para esta forma de comunicação não-verbal. Descritores: Enfermagem; Cuidados de enfermagem; Comunicação; Cirurgia cardíaca.
The elderly person with a self-care deficit at home and the implications for the relative caregiver
Authors: Aguiar Ricardo Saraiva
Published: February 2012

RESUMOObjetivo: identificar as principais implicações para o cuidador familiar do fato de o idoso apresentar déficit de autocuidado. Metodologia: trata-se de um estudo do tipo revisão integrativa da literatura realizada em livros e bases de dados (LILACS, BDENF e SciELO), utilizando os seguintes descritores: cuidadores; idoso; saúde do idoso; e enfermagem geriátrica. Foram selecionadas 13 produções científicas brasileiras, de 2000 a 2010, que versavam sobre o objeto do estudo.  Resultados: prevaleceram as publicações do ano de 2008 (38,4%). As publicações foram agrupadas nos seguintes temas: o cuidador familiar; cuidados em domicílio; a enfermagem no cuidado domiciliar; e principais implicações para o cuidador familiar. Conclusão: foi verificado que os cuidadores familiares de idosos com déficit de autocuidado estão sujeitos a diversos efeitos negativos em sua saúde, como: dores lombares; doenças psiquiátricas; artrite; doenças somáticas; isolamento social; entre outros. Com isso, torna-se necessário que a saúde do cuidador familiar também seja priorizada no planejamento da assistência domiciliar, para que os possíveis efeitos negativos de sua assistência sejam minimizados ao máximo. Descritores: cuidadores; idoso; saúde do idoso; enfermagem geriátrica.
Activation of Biodefense System by Low-Dose Irradiation or Radon Inhalation and Its Applicable Possibility for Treatment of Diabetes and Hepatopathy
Authors: Kataoka Takahiro , Yamaoka Kiyonori
Published: February 2012

Adequate oxygen stress induced by low-dose irradiation activates biodefense system, such as induction of the synthesis of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase. We studied the possibility for alleviation of oxidative damage, such as diabetes and nonalcoholic liver disease. Results show that low-dose -irradiation increases SOD activity and protects against alloxan diabetes. Prior or post-low-dose X- or -irradiation increases antioxidative functions in livers and inhibits ferric nitrilotriacetate and carbon tetrachloride-induced (CCl4) hepatopathy. Moreover, radon inhalation also inhibits CCl4-induced hepatopathy. It is highly possible that low-dose irradiation including radon inhalation activates the biodefence systems and, therefore, contributes to preventing or reducing reactive oxygen species-related diabetes and nonalcoholic liver disease, which are thought to involve peroxidation.
Unscrambling Egg Allergy: The Diagnostic Value of Specific IgE Concentrations and Skin Prick Tests for Ovomucoid and Egg White in the Management of Children with Hen’s Egg Allergy
Authors: Marriage D. E. , Erlewyn-Lajeunesse M. , Unsworth D. J. , Henderson A. J.
Published: February 2012

Resolution of egg allergy occurs in the majority of egg allergic children. Positive specific IgE antibodies to ovomucoid (OVM) have been suggested to be of greater predictive value for persistent egg allergy than specific IgE to egg white. The performance of OVM-specific IgE antibody levels in a cohort of children referred for a routine egg challenge was compared with egg white specific IgE levels in predicting a positive egg challenge. 24/47 subjects had persistent egg allergy. Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that OVM-specific IgE testing was the most useful test for the diagnosis of persistent egg allergy. The optimal decision points for the prediction of persistent egg allergy were >0.35 kUA/Lfor specific IgE levels to both EW and OVM, and ≥3 mm for SPT. Children with specific IgE levels suggestive of persistent egg allergy need not be subject to an egg provocation challenge, reducing both costs and risks to the child.
Four Common Insects of Durum Wheat Cultivations in Western Macedonia, Greece
Authors: Deligeorgidis P. N. , Deligeorgidis N. P. , Ipsilandis C. G. , Vardiabasis A. , Vayopoulou M. , Giakalis L. , Sidiropoulos G.
Published: February 2012

The purpose of this study was to monitor population fluctuations of various species of Diptera during the growing season of durum wheat, in years 2009 and 2010. The most abundant Hymenoptera species was also included in the study as a control species. The species studied were Cephus pygmaeus, Haplodiplosis marginata, Mayetiola destructor, and Chlorops pumilionis. Samplings of insects were taken in eight periods to cover the late stages of durum wheat. Measurements were made every about 100 m in the field, with five wheat plants per sample, from 10 different places. Total insect individuals on each wheat plant were counted. Maximum number of individuals per plant reached 6-7 insects, except for C. pumilionis which showed only 3–5 individuals. Year X sampling period interaction was also found in some cases, indicating different populations' fluctuations across years. The relatively low populations found in our study may indicate low level of danger on crop production, but the unstable populations of the most multitudinous insect species H. marginata and C. pygmaeus may cover a possible danger, especially for species H. marginata which, in specific years, can be found in great numbers causing severe damages on wheat crops. Combination of pests may result in significant damages and a total recording procedure must be practiced.
Noise‐Assisted Crystallization of Opal Films
Authors: Khunsin Worawut , Amann Andreas , Kocher‐Oberlehner Gudrun , Romanov Sergei G. , Pullteap Saroj , Seat Han Cheng , O'Reilly Eoin P. , Zentel Rudolf , Sotomayor Torres Clivia M.
Published: February 2012

An improvement of the crystal quality of opal films self‐assembled from polymer spheres in a moving meniscus using the agitation by white noise acoustic vibrations is demonstrated. A tenfold higher ordering of a hexagonal sphere packing in the (111) plane is achieved. This crystallization method, the mechanism of which is described in terms of the stochastic resonance, is a contrast to the widely used approach based on maintaining equilibrium conditions during the crystallization process. The precise quantification of the incremental lattice order improvement as a function of acoustic noise intensity is achieved by calculating the probability of finding an opposite partner for each sphere in the lattice. This method is examined against conventional and established techniques such as Fourier transforms and translational and bond‐orientational correlation functions, and its advantages are demonstrated. Rotational symmetry analysis of diffraction resonances in measured and calculated optical transmission spectra as a function of the azimuth lattice orientation are carried out to confirm that the surface ordering translates into the bulk ordering of high index crystal planes, which are most sensitive to disorder.
Efficient Iron‐Catalyzed Direct β‐Alkylation of Secondary Alcohols with Primary Alcohols
Authors: Yang Jian , Liu Xin , Meng Da‐Li , Chen Hong‐Yan , Zong Zhi‐Hui , Feng Ting‐Ting , Sun Kai
Published: February 2012

The efficient iron‐catalyzed direct β‐alkylation of secondary alcohols with primary alcohols is described. In the presence of the commercially available iron catalyst (ferrocenecarboxaldehyde, 1b) and a catalytic amount of base, the reactions give β‐alkylated higher alcohols in high yields in the absence of any sacrificial agents (hydrogen acceptors or hydrogen donors) and nitrogen or phosphorus ligands. For the first time, iron is employed as an inexpensive and environmentally benign alternative with high atom efficiency to noble metal‐based catalysts in this type of reaction.
Organocatalytic Enantioselective Dipolar [3+2] Cycloadditions of Acetylenic Aldehydes with Nitrones for the Formation of Chiral 4‐Isoxazolines
Authors: Cai Xianrong , Wang Chao , Sun Jian
Published: February 2012

The first organocatalytic enantioselective protocol has been developed for the dipolar [3+2] cycloaddition between acetylenic aldehydes and nitrones through an iminium activation pathway. This protocol uses L‐α,α‐bis(3,5‐ditrifluoromethylphenyl)prolinol as catalyst and 3,5‐dinitrobenzoic acid as additive and is friendly for one‐pot operation for the nitrone formation and the subsequent cycloaddition. It also exhibits a broad substrate scope and allows for the highly efficient production of chiral 4‐isoxazolines with various substituents under mild conditions in high yields (68–92%) with high enantioselectivities (up to 96% ee).
Facile Synthesis of New Cationic Triphenylphosphine Derivatives and their Use for Propene Dimerization Reactions in Buffered Chloroaluminate Ionic Liquids
Authors: Dötterl Matthias , Thoma Peter , Alt Helmut G.
Published: February 2012

We describe the facile synthesis of new, cationic triphenylphosphine derivatives containing para‐trimethylammonium substituents. The ionic phosphines were successfully employed in nickel‐catalyzed propene dimerization reactions in highly Lewis acidic chloroaluminate ionic liquids. Buffering of such liquids is achieved by an interaction of the Lewis basic phosphine with the Lewis acidic aluminum centers. The PAl interaction of triarylphosphines and tri‐tert‐butylphosphine with the highly acidic ionic liquid [1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium]+ [Al2Cl7]− was monitored by 31P and 27Al NMR spectroscopy. Coupling of tri‐tert‐butylphosphine with 27Al resulted in an expected but unusual sextet in the 31P NMR spectrum and a doublet in the 27Al NMR spectrum.
Recent Developments in Asymmetric Organocatalytic Domino Reactions
Authors: Pellissier Hélène
Published: February 2012

Since about the year 2000, the research area of asymmetric organocatalysis has grown rapidly to become one of the most fascinating and current fields in organic chemistry. In the last years, asymmetric domino reactions have widely benefited from this fast‐growing field, as exemplified by the development of an explosive number of novel and powerful asymmetric organocatalytic domino processes, which allowed the easy construction of complex chiral molecular architectures from simple materials with high yields and very often remarkable enantioselectivities in a metal‐free environment. Indeed, the possibility to join two or more organocatalytic reactions in one asymmetric domino process has become a challenging goal for chemists, due to several advantages from economical and environmental points of view, avoiding costly protecting groups and time‐consuming purification procedures after each step, for example. This review aims to update the latest developments of this hot and fascinating field, covering the literature since the beginning of 2009.    

Abbreviations:Ac: acetyl; Ar: aryl; BDHP: 1,1′‐binaphth‐2,2′‐diyl hydrogen phosphate; BA: Brønsted acid; BINAPO: 2‐diphenylphosphino‐2′‐diphenylphosphinyl‐1,1′‐binaphthalene; BINOL: 1,1′‐bi‐2‐naphthol; Boc:tert‐butoxycarbonyl; Bn: benzyl; Bu: butyl; Bz: benzoyl; CSA: camphorsulfonic acid; Cy: cyclohexyl; Cbz: benzyloxycarbonyl; DABCO: 1,4‐diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane; DBU: 1,8‐diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec‐7‐ene; DCE: dichloroethane;de: diastereomeric excess; DFT: density functional theory; DHQ: hydroquinine; DHQD: dihydroquinidine; DIPEA: diisopropylethylamine; DKR: dynamic kinetic resolution; DMAD: dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate; E: electrophile;ee: enantiomeric excess; ESI: electrospray ionization; Et: ethyl; Fu: furyl; Hept: heptyl; Hex: hexyl; HOMO: highest occupied molecular orbital; IBX:o‐iodoxybenzoic acid; LB: Lewis base; LUMO: lowest unoccupied molecular orbital; Me: methyl; MOM: methoxymethyl; Mes: mesyl; MS: mass spectroscopy; MTBE: methyltert‐butyl ether; NADH: nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide; Naph: naphthyl; NHC: N‐heterocyclic carbene; NMM:N‐methylmorpholine; NMP:N‐methylpyrrolidinone; Ns: nosyl; Nu: nucleophile; Oct: octyl; PCC: pyridinium chlorochromate; Pent: pentyl; PFBA: pentafluorobenzoic acid; Ph: phenyl; PMB:para‐methoxybenzyl; Pr: propyl; Py: pyridine; r.t.: room temperature; TBA: tribromoacetic acid; TBS:tert‐butyldimethylsilyl; TCBA: 2,4,6‐trichlorobenzoic acid; TES: triethylsilyl; TFA: trifluoroacetic acid; THF: tetrahydrofuran; Thio: thiophene; TMEDA: tetramethylethylenediamine; TMS: trimethylsilyl; Tol: tolyl; Ts: 4‐toluenesulfonyl (tosyl).
Body image concerns and reduced breastfeeding duration in primiparous overweight and obese women
Authors: Hauff Laura E. , Demerath Ellen W.
Published: February 2012

Objectives:

To test differences in breastfeeding duration by prepregnant maternal weight status, and determine whether body image concerns mediate any differences.

Methods:

A prospective longitudinal cohort of primiparous women was followed from pregnancy to, at minimum, 6 months postpartum. Questionnaire responses on body concerns were obtained during pregnancy and at 4 months postpartum. Kaplan‐Meier curves compared breastfeeding duration in overweight/obese and normal weight groups. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to determine whether body image variables mediated the relationship between maternal weight and duration.

Results:

Although intended duration was similar between groups, overweight/obese women had a shorter median duration of any breastfeeding (38.6 weeks) compared to normal weight women (48.9 weeks) (P< 0.01) and they experienced higher risk of breastfeeding cessation over the entire first year postpartum [hazard risk (HR) = 1.43; confidence interval (CI) = 1.02–2.01;P< 0.05]. Overweight/obese women reported lack of body comfort/confidence postpartum more frequently than normal BMI women (P< 0.01). Lack of body comfort/confidence postpartum was negatively associated with duration after adjusting for maternal BMI (P= 0.01). Thus, the effect of BMI on duration was reduced by this variable (HR = 1.31; CI = 0.93, 1.86;P= 0.13), suggesting mediation.

Conclusions:

Women with high prepregnant BMI have reduced lactation duration that is mediated by lack of comfort/confidence with one's body. Further research into the interplay between body image, weight status, and breastfeeding outcomes may point to behavioral targets amenable to intervention and modification that may in turn improve breastfeeding outcomes for overweight/obese women and their infants. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Physical activity, cardio‐respiratory fitness, and metabolic traits in rural mexican tarahumara
Authors: Christensen Dirk Lund , Alcalá‐Sánchez Imelda , Leal‐Berumen Irene , Conchas‐Ramirez Miguel , Brage Soren
Published: February 2012

Objectives: To study the association between physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE) and cardio‐respiratory fitness (CRF) with key metabolic traits and anthropometric measures in the Tarahumara of Mexico.

Methods: A cross‐sectional study was carried out in five rural communities in Chihuahua, México including 64 adult Tarahumara, mean (SD) age 40.7 (12.9) years. Using a combined accelerometer and heart rate sensor, PAEE was measured over three consecutive days and nights and a sub‐maximal step test was carried out in order to (1) calibrate heart rate at the individual level and (2) to estimate CRF. Random blood glucose level and resting blood pressure (BP) were measured with standard anthropometrics.

Results: Mean (SD) PAEE was 71.2 (30.3) kJ kg−1 day−1 and CRF was 36.6 (6.5) mlO2 min−1 kg−1. Mean (SD) glucose was 127.9 (32.4) mg/dl, with 3.3% having diabetes. Mean (SD) systolic and diastolic BP was 122 (20.8) and 82 (14.8) mm Hg, respectively, with 28.1% having hypertension. Mean body mass index was 27.5 (4.2) kg m−2, with 71.9% being overweight. Following adjustment for age and sex, weak inverse associations were observed between PAEE and systolic BP (β = −0.20, P = 0.27) and diastolic BP (β = −0.16, P = 0.23); and between CRF and systolic BP (β = −0.51, P = 0.14) and diastolic BP (β = −0.53, P = 0.06). The inverse associations with glucose were also weak and not statistically significant for neither PAEE (β = −0.01, P = 0.63) nor CRF (β = −0.05, P = 0.27).

Conclusions: This study suggests high levels of overweight and hypertension in the Tarahumara, and points to fitness and physical activity as potential intervention targets although findings should be confirmed in larger samples. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Extreme behavioral lateralization and the remodeling of the distal humerus
Authors: Ozener Baris
Published: February 2012

Objectives:The effects of extreme behavioral lateralization (i.e., extreme handedness) on the epicondylar breadth are poorly understood. This study was conducted in order to determine the effects of high levels of right‐ and left‐handedness on epicondyle of the humerus.

Methods:Elbow width of 186 healthy male university students who completed their physical development (extreme left handed = 92, mean age = 18.67, SD = 0.61; extreme right handed = 94, mean age = 18.55, SD = 0.58) were measured with 0.01 mm sensitivity and Edinburgh Handedness Inventory was applied to determine the handedness of the individuals. Participants with scores of +100 were designated as extreme right‐handers, and participants with scores of −100 were designed as extreme left‐handers.

Results:According to the findings, the degree of directional asymmetry was +1.22 (SD = 2.24) in the extreme right handed, whereas in extreme left handed −0.59 (SD = 1.74). The relative deviation percentage in the extreme right handed was 3.1% whereas 2.2% in the extreme left handed.

Conclusions:It could be stated that extreme handedness has an influence on the asymmetry of epicondyle of the humerus; nevertheless, this effect is more significant in the extreme right handed. This is likely to result from the necessity for left‐handed people to adapt themselves to the conditions of a dominantly “right‐handed” world. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Microbial exposures in infancy predict levels of the immunoregulatory cytokine interleukin‐4 in filipino young adults
Authors: Tallman Paula Skye , Kuzawa Christopher , Adair Linda , Borja Judith B. , McDade Thomas W.
Published: February 2012

Objectives:

Infancy represents a window of development during which long‐term immunological functioning can be influenced. In this study, we evaluate proxies of microbial exposures in infancy as predictors of interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) in young adulthood. IL‐4 is an immunoregulatory cytokine that plays a role in the pathogenesis of atopic and allergic diseases.

Methods:

Data were obtained from 1,403 participants in the Cebu Longitudinal Health and Nutrition Survey, an ongoing population‐based study in the Philippines. Relationships between microbial and nutritional environments in infancy and plasma IL‐4 concentrations in adulthood were evaluated using tobit regression models.

Results:

Having older siblings and more episodes of respiratory illness in infancy significantly predicted lower concentrations of plasma IL‐4 in adulthood. Unexpectedly, more episodes of diarrheal illness in infancy were associated with higher IL‐4 in adulthood. Interactions between a composite household pathogen exposure score and the duration of exclusive breastfeeding approached significance. This interaction showed that the negative association between household pathogen exposure in infancy and adult IL‐4 was only significant for individuals who had been exclusively breastfed for a short duration of time. Finally, currently living in an urban household was unexpectedly, negatively associated with adult IL‐4. Associations were independent of early nutrition, socioeconomic status (SES), and urbanicity, as well as current measures of infection, body fat, SES, and smoking.

Conclusions:

This study builds on a growing body of literature demonstrating that early ecological conditions have long‐term effects on human biology by providing evidence that multiple proxies of microbial exposures in infancy are associated with adult IL‐4. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Rare‐Earth–Transition‐Metal Organic–Inorganic Hybrids Based on Keggin‐type Polyoxometalates and Pyrazine‐2,3‐dicarboxylate
Authors: Zhang Shaowei , Zhao Junwei , Ma Pengtao , Niu Jingyang , Wang Jingping
Published: February 2012

Five rare‐earth–transition‐metal (RE–TM) heterometal organic–inorganic hybrids based on Keggin‐type silicotungstates and mixed ligands H2pzda (pzda=pyrazine‐2,3‐dicarboxylate) and en (en=ethylenediamine) (enH2)[Cu(en)2(H2O)]2{[Cu(en)2][Cu(en)2(H2O)][(α‐SiW11 O39)RE(H2O)(pzda)]}2⋅n H2O (n≈4; RE=YIII (1), DyIII (2), YbIII (3), and LuIII (4)) and [Cu(en)2(H2O)]2{[Cu(en)2]2[Cu(pzda)2][(α‐H2SiW11O39)Ce(H2O)]2}⋅n H2O (5; n≈8) have been hydrothermally synthesized and structurally characterized. Compounds 1–5 all contain the dimeric mono‐RE substituted Keggin [RE(α‐SiW11O39)]210− subunits linked by H2pzda ligands. Interestingly, 1–4 exhibit discrete structures, in which the H2pzda ligand acts as a tetradentate ligand to bind the RE and Cu cations, whereas 5 displays a 1D double‐chain architecture, in which the H2pzda ligand adopts a new pentadentate mode to connect the Ce and Cu cations. To our knowledge, 1–5 represent the first monovacant Keggin‐type silicotungstates containing both RE–TM heterometals and mixed ligands. The luminescence of 2 is derived from the combination of the DyIII cations and H2pzda ligands, whereas the luminescence properties of 1 and 3–5 are attributable to the H2pzda ligands.
The establishment of the duplex real‐time RT‐PCR assay for the detection of CD44v6 in pancreatic cancer patients and clinical application
Authors: Zhou Gang , Chiu David , Qin Dajiang , Niu Lizhi , Cai Jinlei , He Lihua , Huang Wenhao , Xu Kecheng
Published: February 2012

Cell adhesion molecule CD44v6 has been found to be associated with the progression and metastasis of numerous cancers. In this study, a novel duplex real‐time quantitative reverse‐transcription PCR (qRT‐PCR) assay was developed to quantitatively detect the CD44v6 gene expression in pancreatic cancer patients. The primers and probes of CD44v6 and β‐actin genes were designed and standard curve of the duplex qRT‐PCR was constructed by optimizing the reaction conditions. The specificity and reproducibility of this assay were satisfactory and the detection limit was 100 copies, which was 10 times more sensitive than the conventional RT‐PCR assay. This assay was also used to detect the expression levels of CD44v6 messenger RNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cell in 37 pancreatic cancer patients and 12 healthy people. The results showed that 37 clinical samples were tested positive by the duplex qRT‐PCR compared with only 30 by the conventional RT‐PCR. The levels of CD44v6 expression showed significant correlation with sex, tumor size, tumor differentiation, clinical stage, lymph node, and liver metastasis (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, CD44v6 levels in patients prior and 10 days post cryosurgery were significantly increased (P < 0.05) but had no significant change in those 1 month post cryosurgery (P > 0.05). The duplex qRT‐PCR assay may provide a useful tool for the evaluation of prognosis and curative effect of pancreatic cancer.
Risk of anastomotic leakage with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in colorectal surgery
Authors: Gorissen K J , Benning D , Berghmans T , Snoeijs M G , Sosef M N , Hulsewe K W E , Luyer M D P
Published: February 2012

Background

With the implementation of multimodal analgesia regimens in fast-track surgery programmes, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are being prescribed routinely. However, doubts have been raised concerning the safety of NSAIDs in terms of anastomotic healing.

Methods

Data on patients who had undergone primary colorectal anastomosis at two teaching hospitals between January 2008 and December 2010 were analysed retrospectively. Exact use of NSAIDs was recorded. Rates of anastomotic leakage were compared between groups and corrected for known risk factors in both univariable and multivariable analyses.

Results

A total of 795 patients were divided into four groups according to NSAID use: no NSAIDs (471 patients), use of non-selective NSAIDs (201), use of selective cyclo-oxygenase (COX) 2 inhibitors (79), and use of both selective and non-selective NSAIDs (44). The overall leak rate was 9·9 per cent (10·0 per cent for right colonic, 8·7 per cent for left colonic and 12·4 per cent for rectal anastomoses). Known risk factors such as smoking and use of steroids were not significantly associated with anastomotic leakage. Stapled anastomosis was identified as an independent predictor of leakage in multivariable analysis (odds ratio (OR) 2·22, 95 per cent confidence interval 1·30 to 3·80; P = 0·003). Patients on NSAIDs had higher anastomotic leakage rates than those not on NSAIDs (13·2 versus 7·6 per cent; OR 1·84, 1·13 to 2·98; P = 0·010). This effect was mainly due to non-selective NSAIDs (14·5 per cent; OR 2·13, 1·24 to 3·65; P = 0·006), not selective COX-2 inhibitors (9 per cent; OR 1·16, 0·49 to 2·75; P = 0·741). The overall mortality rate was 4·2 per cent, with no significant difference between groups (P = 0·438).

Conclusion

Non-selective NSAIDs may be associated with anastomotic leakage.
Real‐time monitoring of shake flask fermentation and off gas using triple disposable noninvasive optical sensors
Authors: Ge Xudong , Rao Govind
Published: February 2012

Bioprocess development is a data‐driven process requiring a large number of experiments to be conducted under varying conditions. Small‐scale upstream bioprocess development is often performed in shake flasks because they are inexpensive and can be operated in parallel. However, shake flasks are often not equipped to accurately monitor critical process parameters such as pH, dissolved oxygen, and CO2 concentrations. Therefore, there is no definitive information on oxygen supply of growing cells, CO2 formation, and pH changes. Here we describe several shake flask fermentations where all three parameters are monitored by disposable noninvasive optical sensors. The sensitive element of these sensors is a thin, luminescent patch affixed inside the flask. Small electronic devices for excitation and fluorescence detection are positioned outside the shake flask for noninvasive monitoring. By measuring the process parameters throughout the course of the E. coli fermentations, we obtain information that is not routinely available in shake flask fermentations. For example, for cultures with only a few millimeters liquid depth, oxygen limitation can occur at relatively low agitation speeds. Under certain conditions oscillations in dissolved oxygen can occur. An increase in shaker speed and a decrease in culture volume can increase the oxygen availability and reduce the duration of oxygen limitation. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog.,, 2012
Real‐time density‐based crowd simulation
Authors: van Toll Wouter G. , Cook Atlas F. , Geraerts Roland
Published: February 2012

Virtual characters in games and simulations often need to plan visually convincing paths through a crowded environment. This paper describes how crowd density information can be used to guide a large number of characters through a crowded environment. Crowd density information helps characters avoid congested routes that could lead to traffic jams. It also encourages characters to use a wide variety of routes to reach their destination. Our technique measures the desirability of a route by combining distance information with crowd density information. We start by building a navigation mesh for the walkable regions in a polygonal two‐dimensional (2‐D) or multilayered three‐dimensional (3‐D) environment. The skeleton of this navigation mesh is the medial axis. Each walkable region in the navigation mesh maintains an up‐to‐date density value. This density value is equal to the area occupied by all the characters inside a given region divided by the total area of this region. These density values are mapped onto the medial axis to form a weighted graph. An A* search on this graph yields a backbone path for each character, and forces are used to guide the characters through the weighted environment. The characters periodically replan their routes as the density values are updated. Our experiments show that we can compute congestion‐avoiding paths for tens of thousands of characters in real‐time. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An Experimental Study on the Effect of Substituents on Aromatic–Aromatic Interactions in Dithia[3,3]‐metaparacyclophanes
Authors: Xia Jian Long , Liu Sheng Hua , Cozzi Franco , Mancinelli Michele , Mazzanti Andrea
Published: February 2012

Simple model systems based on the 2,11‐dithia[3,3]‐metaparacyclophane skeleton were synthesized to study the effects of substituents on the intramolecular aromatic–aromatic interactions between benzene rings. X‐ray crystallography established that, in their more stable conformations, these metaparacyclophanes featured partially overlapping aromatic rings (interplanar distances of about 3.5 Å), with the planes of the aromatic systems arranged in a slightly tilted disposition (interplanar angles in the range 5–19°). Calculations showed that these derivatives underwent topomerization by flipping of the meta‐substituted ring over the para‐substituted one, a process in which the two rings adopted a continuum of edge‐to‐face dispositions, including an orthogonal one, which were less stable than the starting face‐to‐face arrangement. The energy barriers to the isomerization process were experimentally determined by variable‐temperature NMR spectroscopy, by using an internal temperature standard to assess even minor differences in energy (relative experimental error: (±0.1 kJ mol−1). The variation in the barriers as a function of the different substituents on the interacting ring was small and apparently unrelated to the effect of the substituents on the polarity of the π‐systems. An explanation based on the charge‐penetration effect seemed more‐suitable to rationalize the observed trends in the barriers.
ChemInform Abstract: Matrix Infrared Spectroscopic and Theoretical of the Difluoroamino Metal Fluoride Molecules: F2NMF (M: Cu, Ag, Au).
Authors: Gong Yu , Andrews Lester
Published: February 2012

The title molecules are obtained from spontaneous reactions of coinage metals and NF3 in solid Ar and Ne matrices.
ChemInform Abstract: A Study of the Al‐Rich Part of the Al—Ni—Pt Alloy System.
Authors: Grushko B. , Kapush D. , Meshi L.
Published: February 2012

The aluminum rich (50—100 at.% Al) part of the title system at 790, 900, and 1000 °C is investigated by powder XRD, SEM, and TEM.
ChemInform Abstract: Syntheses and Crystal Structures of the closo‐Borate M[B8H9] (M: [PPh4]+ and [N(n‐Bu4)]+).
Authors: Schlueter Florian , Bernhardt Eduard
Published: February 2012

The [B8H8]2‐ and [B8H9]‐ ions are characterized by NMR spectroscopy, single crystal XRD, and DFT calculations.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis and Characterization of Ca2(PO2NH)4·8H2O.
Authors: Sedlmaier Stefan J. , Roemer S. Rebecca , Schnick Wolfgang
Published: February 2012

The title compound precipitates from an aqueous solution of K4(PO2NH)4 and Ca(NO3)2.