bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reduction of Circulating Neutrophils Precedes and Accompanies Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Valle Andrea , Giamporcaro Gian Maria , Scavini Marina , Stabilini Angela , Grogan Pauline , Bianconi Eleonora , Sebastiani Guido , Masini Matilde , Maugeri Norma , Porretti Laura , Bonfanti Riccardo , Meschi Franco , De Pellegrin Maurizio , Lesma Arianna , Rossini Silvano , Piemonti Lorenzo , Marchetti Piero , Dotta Francesco , Bosi Emanuele , Battaglia Manuela
Published: January 2013

Human type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease associated with major histocompatibility complex polymorphisms, β-cell autoantibodies, and autoreactive T cells. However, there is increasing evidence that innate cells may also play critical roles in T1D. We aimed to monitor peripheral immune cells in early stages of T1D (i.e., in healthy autoantibody-positive subjects) and in more advanced phases of the disease (i.e., at disease onset and years after diagnosis). We found a mild but significant and reproducible peripheral neutropenia that both precedes and accompanies the onset of T1D. This reduction was not due to peripheral neutrophil cell death, impaired differentiation, or the presence of anti-neutrophil antibodies. Neutrophils were observed by electron microscopy and immunohistochemical analysis in the exocrine pancreas of multiorgan donors with T1D (both at onset and at later stages of the disease) and not in that of multiorgan donors with type 2 diabetes or nondiabetic donors. These pancreas-infiltrating neutrophils mainly localized at the level of very small blood vessels. Our findings suggest the existence of a hitherto unrecognized clinical phenotype that might reflect unexplored pathogenic pathways underlying T1D.
Impact of Admission Glycemic Variability, Glucose, and Glycosylated Hemoglobin on Major Adverse Cardiac Events After Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Su Gong , Mi Shu-hua , Tao Hong , Li Zhao , Yang Hong-Xia , Zheng Hong , Zhou Yun , Tian Lei
Published: January 2013

OBJECTIVE

Dysglycemia is associated with poorer prognosis in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Whether admission glycemic variability (GV) has important value in prognosis of AMI patients is still unknown. The aim of the study is to investigate the prognostic value of admission GV, glucose, and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in AMI patients.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We measured blood glucose, HbA1c, and GV on admission in 222 consecutive patients with diagnosed AMI. GV, indicated as the mean amplitude of glycemic excursions (MAGE), was determined by a continuous glucose monitoring system. MAGE was categorized as ≥3.9 or <3.9 mmol/L, admission glucose as ≥8.61 or <8.61 mmol/L, and HbA1c as ≥6.5 or <6.5%. Participants were followed up prospectively for 12 months. The relationship of admission MAGE, glucose, and HbA1c to the major adverse cardiac event (MACE) of AMI patients was analyzed.

RESULTS

In 222 enrolled patients with AMI, the rate of MACE by MAGE category (<3.9 or ≥3.9 mmol/L) was 8.4 and 24.1%, respectively (P = 0.001), by admission glucose category (<8.61 or ≥8.61 mmol/L) was 10.1 and 21.6%, respectively (P = 0.020), and by HbA1c category (<6.5 vs. ≥6.5%) was 10.7 versus 18.7%, respectively (P = 0.091). In multivariate analysis, high MAGE level was significantly associated with incidence of MACE (hazard ratio 2.419 [95% CI 1.273–9.100]; P = 0.017) even after adjusting for Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events risk score, but admission glucose and HbA1c was not.

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated admission GV appears more important than admission glucose and prior long-term abnormal glycometabolic status in predicting 1-year MACE in patients with AMI.
Are Sportsmen Willing to Practice Sports during their Holidays? The Case of Sports Faculty Students in France
Authors: Abdourazakou Yann , Penel Guillaume , Masson Philippe
Published: January 2013

The study was conducted in northern France at the sport management department at the University of Lille. It attempts to highlight the type of summer vacation of its students. Previous studies have shown the modalities of mobility (Urry, 2000; Seewer, 2004). Although models exist to explain destination choice, many of these have limitations, including the assumption of a rational consumer and a focus on the functional attributes of travel and tourism (Lewis, Kerr, & Pomering, 2010). However, few studies handle the behavior of consumption of students during their holidays, especially the sports students. In making their travel decisions, consumers assess the attractiveness of a destination (Sirakaya et al., 2001). Positive associations with a destination increase the likelihood of selection (Woodside & Lyson-ski, 1989). The main hypothesis concerned the type of sports that students were engaged while on vacation. That is, we postulated that students also practiced sport during their vacation time. The second hypothesis concerned the mobility that these students should be accustomed to in order to travel in competitions abroad or at least away from home. The study was conducted in a quantitative manner, with questionnaires (N=451). The main results are based on 451 Physical Education (PE) students from the area of Lille, France, who participated in this study. In this population, 55.2% were single, 44.8% were married or in a relationship (10.2% had children). Initial results show that the average household income per month is about EUR 2,500; over 74% of them go on holiday for two weeks, on average. These students are coming from wealthy families. When they say that they are “going on vacation”, a majority of them (68.7%) indicate that the main reason is to relax. Contrary to the announced hypothesis, few PE students (4.9%) wish to practice physical activities during the holiday. Independently, we noticed that a majority of student (79.5%) preferred a single destination when the purpose was to make cultural trips (51.5%). However, the question of the budget remains an issue and they favor (78%) being hosted in the cheapest accommodations. For instance, the accommodations concerned are mostly camping or holiday villages. These findings can be interesting to satisfy this kind of demand and help providers build better strategies.
Fusion rates in multilevel, instrumented anterior cervical fusion for degenerative disease with and without the use of bone morphogenetic protein
Authors: Frenkel Mark B. , Cahill Kevin S. , Javahary Ramin J. , Zacur George , Green Barth A. , Levi Allan D.
Published: January 2013

Object

The goal of this study was to compare the rates of solid arthrodesis and complications following multilevel, instrumented anterior cervical fusion in patients treated with and without bone morphogenetic protein (BMP).

Methods

The authors conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent multilevel (2+ level) anterior cervical fusions performed for degenerative disc disease with or without the concurrent use of BMP-2 from 1997 to 2012. The dosage throughout the study ranged from 2.1 to 0.26 mg/level (mean 1.0 mg/level). All patients were evaluated postoperatively by means of radiographs and CT scans to determine fusion status.

Results

The overall fusion rate for the patients treated without BMP (n = 23) was 82.6% compared with a 100% fusion rate in the group treated with BMP (n = 22) (p = 0.04). The pseudarthrosis rates increased with number of fusion levels in patients who did not receive BMP, whereas all patients in the group treated with BMP had solid arthrodesis. Furthermore, there were 2 instrumentation failures in the non-BMP group. There was a direct correlation between the incidence of complications and the dosage of BMP used per level, with no complications reported at doses equal to or less than 1.1 mg/level.

Conclusions

The overall rate of bony arthrodesis was increased following the use of BMP in multilevel anterior cervical fusion. Traditional methods without BMP had a high rate of pseudarthrosis. The complications associated with the use of BMP appeared to be dose related and of low incidence when BMP is used in doses equal to or less than 1.1 mg/level.
Cancer statistics for African Americans, 2013
Authors: DeSantis Carol , Naishadham Deepa , Jemal Ahmedin
Published: January 2013

In this article, the American Cancer Society estimates the number of new cancer cases and deaths for African Americans and compiles the most recent data on cancer incidence, mortality, survival, and screening prevalence based upon incidence data from the National Cancer Institute, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries and mortality data from the National Center for Health Statistics. It is estimated that 176,620 new cases of cancer and 64,880 deaths will occur among African Americans in 2013. From 2000 to 2009, the overall cancer death rate among males declined faster among African Americans than whites (2.4% vs 1.7% per year), but among females, the rate of decline was similar (1.5% vs 1.4% per year, respectively). The decrease in cancer death rates among African American males was the largest of any racial or ethnic group. The reduction in overall cancer death rates since 1990 in men and 1991 in women translates to the avoidance of nearly 200,000 deaths from cancer among African Americans. Five‐year relative survival is lower for African Americans than whites for most cancers at each stage of diagnosis. The extent to which these disparities reflect unequal access to health care versus other factors remains an active area of research. Overall, progress in reducing cancer death rates has been made, although more can and should be done to accelerate this progress through ensuring equitable access to cancer prevention, early detection, and state‐of‐the‐art treatments. CA Cancer J Clin 2013. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Construcción y deconstrucción del converso a través de los memoriales de limpieza de sangre durante el reinado de Felipe III
Authors: Hernández Franco Juan , Irigoyen López Antonio
Published: January 2013

En este artículo ponemos de relieve cómo el gran momento de la reforma de los estatutos de limpieza de sangre, que tendrá lugar en la segunda década del siglo xvii, tiene un destacado e intenso prolegómeno, que se fecha a partir del último tercio del Quinientos. En un ambiente mayoritariamente partidario de la ideología de los cristianos viejos y su propósito de excluir a los conversos de los honores sociales, tímidamente tanto Felipe II, en sus últimos años de vida, como Felipe III, la Inquisición y en concreto inquisidores generales como Quiroga, Niño de Guevara y Rojas, o bien sobresalientes religiosos como Rivadeneira, de las Casas y Montemayor, van a dar su apoyo en unos casos y a revisar en otros la conducta con la que se asocia al converso. Los últimos harán hincapié en su condición de cristianos auténticos y las ventajas que reportaban sus conocimientos y formación para la sociedad y sus instituciones.
Where do winds come from? A new theory on how water vapor condensation influences atmospheric pressure and dynamics
Authors: Makarieva A. M. , Gorshkov V. G. , Sheil D. , Nobre A. D. , Li B.-L.
Published: January 2013

Abstract. Phase transitions of atmospheric water play a ubiquitous role in the Earth's climate system, but their direct impact on atmospheric dynamics has escaped wide attention. Here we examine and advance a theory as to how condensation influences atmospheric pressure through the mass removal of water from the gas phase with a simultaneous account of the latent heat release. Building from fundamental physical principles we show that condensation is associated with a decline in air pressure in the lower atmosphere. This decline occurs up to a certain height, which ranges from 3 to 4 km for surface temperatures from 10 to 30 °C. We then estimate the horizontal pressure differences associated with water vapor condensation and find that these are comparable in magnitude with the pressure differences driving observed circulation patterns. The water vapor delivered to the atmosphere via evaporation represents a store of potential energy available to accelerate air and thus drive winds. Our estimates suggest that the global mean power at which this potential energy is released by condensation is around one per cent of the global solar power – this is similar to the known stationary dissipative power of general atmospheric circulation. We conclude that condensation and evaporation merit attention as major, if previously overlooked, factors in driving atmospheric dynamics.
Evaluation of the Lidar/Radiometer Inversion Code (LIRIC) to determine microphysical properties of volcanic and desert dust
Authors: Wagner J. , Ansmann A. , Wandinger U. , Seifert P. , Schwarz A. , Tesche M. , Chaikovsky A. , Dubovik O.
Published: January 2013

Abstract. The Lidar/Radiometer Inversion Code (LIRIC) combines the multiwavelength lidar technique with sun-sky photometry and allows us to retrieve vertical profiles of particle optical and microphysical properties, separately for fine-mode and coarse-mode particles. After a brief presentation of the theoretical background, we evaluate the potential of LIRIC to retrieve the optical and microphysical properties of irregularly shaped dust particles. The method is applied to two very different aerosol scenarios, a strong Saharan dust outbreak towards central Europe and an Eyjafjallajökull volcanic dust event. LIRIC profiles of particle volume and mass concentrations are compared with results obtained with the polarization-lidar-based POLIPHON method. LIRIC profiles of optical properties such as particle backscatter coefficients, lidar ratio, Ångström exponent, and particle depolarization ratio are compared with direct Raman lidar observations. Good agreement between the different results are found for most of the retrieval products.
La 3a Edad y los Jubilados su situación Económica, Jurídica y Social
Authors: Sandino Argüello Rodolfo
Published: January 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/derecho.v0i2.927 Revista de Derecho No.2 2002 pp.97-114
Análisis Jurídico del Decreto 1681
Authors: Aguilar García Marvin
Published: January 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/derecho.v0i2.930 Revista de Derecho No.2 2002 pp.137-156
Fast-Scan Terahertz Time Domain Spectrometer Based on Laser Repetition Frequency Modulation
Authors: Furuya Takashi , Estacio Elmer S. , Horita Kazuki , Que Christopher T. , Yamamoto Kohji , Miyamaru Fumiaki , Nishizawa Seizi , Tani Masahiko
Published: January 2013

We propose a high-speed scanning terahertz (THz) time-domain spectrometer (TDS) based on optical sampling by repetition frequency modulation (OSREFM) using a repetition-frequency-tunable femtosecond fiber laser. Repetition frequency modulation is controlled by a highly stabilized external sweep generator. The fast scan of the time-delay between the pump and probe pulses is similar to an optical sampling with cavity tuning (OSCAT) THz-TDS system. However, the advantage of this technique is that it does not require physically moving components and uses only one laser system having an electronically modulated repetition rate. The time window and scanning time of this system depend on the modulation frequency range and the sweeping speed of the laser. In this study, we demonstrate the acquisition of a ∼300 ps-window THz time waveform within 3 ms at a scan rate of 333 Hz.
Preparation of the Printed Carbon Nanotubes Cold Cathode in Field Emission Display and Post-Treatment Technique Using Reactive Ion Etching
Authors: Yu Jun
Published: January 2013

Printable carbon nanotubes (CNTs) cathode slurry was prepared by a reactive ion etching (RIE) post-treatment technique with CNTs, organic vehicles and inorganic binder, i.e., silicon dioxide (SiO2) sol as the raw materials. RIE treatment was introduced to improve field emission characteristics of the CNTs cold cathode screen-printed by the new slurry. The results showed that the RIE treatment could effectively remove parts of inorganic vehicle (i.e., SiO2) layer of the cathode surface and expose plentiful CNTs on the cathode. This would enable the as-prepared cathode to be novel electron emitter and to improve its field emission characteristics and uniformity of the cathode. The effect of RIE treatment conditions on the structural characteristics of the CNTs cold cathode was investigated and field emission enhancement mechanism was proposed.
Polymer Nanoreactors
Authors: Edlinger Christoph , Zhang Xiaoyan , Fischer‐Onaca Ozana , Palivan Cornelia G.
Published: January 2013

This article introduces protein–polymer systems that serve as chemical reaction spaces at the nanoscale. Such polymeric nanoreactors accommodate enzymatic reactions either inside polymer supramolecular assemblies or at their interfaces with the environment, or through a combination of both. We provide an overview of polymer structures that include micelles, vesicles (primarily polymersomes, but also PICsomes and peptosomes), dendrimers, layer‐by‐layer capsules, and capsids—all of which can accommodate sensitive biomolecules to mimic natural systems and functions. This article further deals with the functionalization of polymer membranes and the analytical techniques that apply to nanoreactors. In the last section, we highlight the most relevant applications of such polymeric nanoreactors in the domains of medicine, ecology, and biotechnology.
Direct Synthesis of Imines via Solid State Reactions of Carbamates with Aldehydes
Authors: Lee Byeongno , Lee Kyu Hyung , Lim Byung Wook , Cho Jaeheung , Nam Wonwoo , Hur Nam Hwi
Published: January 2013

Various solid carbamates were prepared from the reactions of liquid amines with carbon dioxide in an autoclave and these carbamates were used as stable, efficient alternatives for toxic liquid amines. Solid‐state grinding of carbamates and aldehydes, using a mortar and pestle, produced imines as the sole products in greater than 97% yields. Complete conversions were generally accomplished within a day at 25 °C without using solvents or additives. Reaction rates were drastically enhanced upon increasing the reaction temperature. In contrast, reactions of aldehydes with liquid amines in the presence of solvent or in neat conditions afforded imines in moderate yields along with by‐products.
Heterogeneous Bifunctional Catalytic, Chemo‐, Regio‐ and Enantioselective Cascade Inverse Electron Demand Diels–Alder Reaction
Authors: Jiang Xianxing , Zhu Hao , Shi Xiaomei , Zhong Yuan , Li Yanfeng , Wang Rui
Published: January 2013

We present a bifunctional catalytic, chemo‐, regio‐ and enantioselective inverse electron demand Diels–Alder reaction (IEDDAR) cascade of a variety of methylenebut‐3‐enoates with azlactones at high levels of yield and enantioselectivity (up to 99% yield, and >99% ee) via a dual HOMOdienophiles and LUMOdienes activated pathway using a heterogeneous catalytic system. Meanwhile, a novel MNPs‐supported chiral thiourea was developed for economical and environment‐friendly purposes. The catalyst can be conveniently recycled and reused for 10 runs with only a slight loss of yield and enantioselectivity.
Synthese fluorierter Bausteine durch Übergangsmetall‐vermittelte Hydrodefluorierungsreaktionen
Authors: Kuehnel Moritz F. , Lentz Dieter , Braun Thomas
Published: January 2013

Die Aktivierung und Funktionalisierung von Kohlenstoff‐Fluor‐Bindungen ist eine der großen Herausforderungen für die metallorganische Chemie. Der steigende Bedarf an Wegen zur Einführung von Fluor in neue Materialien und biologisch aktive Moleküle hat die Entwicklung verschiedener Synthesestrategien inspiriert. Die Hydrodefluorierung wird als vielversprechender Ansatz angesehen, um teilfluorierte Bausteine aus leicht verfügbaren perfluorierten Basischemikalien zu gewinnen. Dieser Aufsatz fasst Aspekte zur Hydrodefluorierung mithilfe Übergangsmetall‐basierter Komplexe und Katalysatoren zusammen und legt dabei besonderes Augenmerk auf die zugrundeliegenden mechanistischen Muster und deren Einfluss auf Anwendungsbreite und Selektivität des jeweiligen Systems. Darüber hinaus werden Anstöße für eine künftige Weiterentwicklung dieses Forschungsgebietes gegeben.
Preparation of low‐allergen natural rubber latex by transglutaminase catalysis
Authors: Sun Jinyu , Tian Xiaohui , Feng Ping , Gong ShuTing , Yuan Yizhong
Published: January 2013

The technique of enzyme treatment on the water‐soluble proteins and mechanical properties of natural rubber latex (NRL) films was studied. The main aim was to introduce an enzymic catalysis method to tackle the protein allergy problem in NRL product. The suitable pH value, the temperature, and the best proportion of transglutaminase to deal with NRL were found. The protein spillage of modified NRL films was greatly lower than that of unmodified NRL, and the tensile strength and the elongation at break of the modified NRL films almost had been scarcely changed. The compactness of the NRL films was improved simultaneously. These suggest that the modified NRL can be used as a kind of latex with low‐allergy personal barrier products such as surgical gloves. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Systematic review and meta-analysis of laparoscopic versus open colectomy with end ileostomy for non-toxic colitis
Authors: Bartels S A L , Gardenbroek T J , Ubbink D T , Buskens C J , Tanis P J , Bemelman W A
Published: January 2013

Background

This review compared short-term outcomes after laparoscopic versus open subtotal colectomy for acute, colitis medically refractory.

Methods

A systematic review of the literature was carried out using MEDLINE, Embase and the Cochrane databases. Overall study quality was assessed by the modified Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS). Meta-analysis was performed for conversion, reoperation, wound infection, ileus, gastrointestinal bleeding, intra-abdominal abscess, postoperative length of stay and mortality.

Results

The search identified nine non-randomized studies: six cohort studies and three case-matched series, comprising 966 patients in total. The pooled conversion rate was 5·5 (95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) 3·6 to 8·4) per cent in the laparoscopic group. The pooled risk ratio of wound infection was 0·60 (95 per cent c.i. 0·38 to 0·95; P = 0·03) and that of intra-abdominal abscess was 0·27 (0·08 to 0·91; P = 0·04), both in favour of laparoscopic surgery. Pooled risk ratios for other complications showed no significant differences. Length of stay was significantly shorter after laparoscopic subtotal colectomy, with a pooled mean difference of 3·17 (95 per cent c.i. 2·37 to 3·98) days (P < 0·001).

Conclusion

Where the procedure can be completed laparoscopically, there may be short-term benefits over open colectomy for colitis. These results cannot be generalized to critically ill patients in need of an emergency subtotal colectomy.
Adverse postoperative outcomes in surgical patients with immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Chang C C , Chang H C , Wu C H , Chang C Y , Liao C C , Chen T L
Published: January 2013

Background

Patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) are likely to have various medical co-morbidities, yet their global features regarding adverse postoperative outcomes and use of medical resources when undergoing major surgery are unknown. The objective of this study was to validate whether ITP is an independent risk factor for adverse postoperative outcomes, and to explore the potential clinical predictors of outcomes after major surgery among patients with ITP.

Methods

A retrospective population-based cohort study was conducted using Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database, controlling for preoperative co-morbidities by means of multiple logistic regression. Major postoperative complication and mortality rates, and in-hospital medical costs were analysed.

Results

The study included 11 085 surgical patients with ITP and 44 340 controls without ITP matched for sex, age, and type of surgery and anaesthesia. Surgical patients with ITP had a higher risk of postoperative death (odds ratio (OR) 1·89, 95 per cent confidence interval 1·57 to 2·27), and overall postoperative complications (OR 1·47, 1·39 to 1·56), and increased hospital stay (OR 1·90, 1·80 to 2·01), admission to the intensive care unit (OR 1·73, 1·63 to 1·83) and medical costs (OR 1·89, 1·79 to 1·99). Amount of preoperative platelet and/or red blood cell transfusion, emergency visits and admission to hospital for ITP care were identified as risk factors for adverse postoperative outcomes.

Conclusion

Patients with ITP undergoing surgery are at increased risk of adverse perioperative events, particularly if blood or blood product transfusion are required preoperatively, or the procedure is done as an emergency.
Reactions of Hydrated Singly Charged First‐Row Transition‐Metal Ions M+(H2O)n (M=V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn) toward Nitric Oxide in the Gas Phase
Authors: van der Linde Christian , Höckendorf Robert F. , Balaj O. Petru , Beyer Martin K.
Published: January 2013

Reactions of M+(H2O)n (M=V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn; n≤40) with NO were studied by Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT‐ICR) mass spectrometry. Uptake of NO was observed for M=Cr, Fe, Co, Ni, Zn. The number of NO molecules taken up depends on the metal ion. For iron and zinc, NO uptake is followed by elimination of HNO and formation of the hydrated metal hydroxide, with strong size dependence. For manganese, only small HMnOH+(H2O)n−1 species, which are formed under the influence of room‐temperature black‐body radiation, react with NO. Here NO uptake competes with HNO formation, both being primary reactions. The results illustrate that, in the presence of water, transition‐metal ions are able to undergo quite particular and diverse reactions with NO. HNO is presumably formed through recombination of a proton and 3NO− for M=Fe, Zn, preferentially for n=15–20. For manganese, the hydride in HMnOH+(H2O)n−1 is involved in HNO formation, preferentially for n≤4. The strong size dependence of the HNO formation efficiency illustrates that each molecule counts in the reactions of small ionic water clusters.
Polycyclic Peptide Therapeutics
Authors: Baeriswyl Vanessa , Heinis Christian
Published: January 2013

Owing to their excellent binding properties, high stability, and low off‐target toxicity, polycyclic peptides are an attractive molecule format for the development of therapeutics. Currently, only a handful of polycyclic peptides are used in the clinic; examples include the antibiotic vancomycin, the anticancer drugs actinomycin D and romidepsin, and the analgesic agent ziconotide. All clinically used polycyclic peptide drugs are derived from natural sources, such as soil bacteria in the case of vancomycin, actinomycin D and romidepsin, or the venom of a fish‐hunting coil snail in the case of ziconotide. Unfortunately, nature provides peptide macrocyclic ligands for only a small fraction of therapeutic targets. For the generation of ligands of targets of choice, researchers have inserted artificial binding sites into natural polycyclic peptide scaffolds, such as cystine knot proteins, using rational design or directed evolution approaches. More recently, large combinatorial libraries of genetically encoded bicyclic peptides have been generated de novo and screened by phage display. In this Minireview, the properties of existing polycyclic peptide drugs are discussed and related to their interesting molecular architectures. Furthermore, technologies that allow the development of unnatural polycyclic peptide ligands are discussed. Recent application of these technologies has generated promising results, suggesting that polycyclic peptide therapeutics could potentially be developed for a broad range of diseases.
The role of glacial cycles in promoting genetic diversity in the Neotropics: the case of cloud forests during the Last Glacial Maximum
Authors: Ramírez‐Barahona Santiago , Eguiarte Luis E.
Published: January 2013

The increasing aridity during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) has been proposed as a major factor affecting Neotropical species. The character and intensity of this change, however, remains the subject of ongoing debate. This review proposes an approach to test contrasting paleoecological hypotheses by way of their expected demographic and genetic effects on Neotropical cloud forest species. We reviewed 48 paleoecological records encompassing the LGM in the Neotropics. The records show contrasting evidence regarding the changes in precipitation during this period. Some regions remained fairly moist and others had a significantly reduced precipitation. Many paleoecological records within the same region show apparently conflicting evidence on precipitation and forest stability. From these data, we propose and outline two demographic/genetic scenarios for cloud forests species based on opposite precipitation regimes: the dry refugia and the moist forests hypotheses. We searched for studies dealing with the population genetic structure of cloud forest and other montane taxa and compared their results with the proposed models. To date, the few available molecular studies show insufficient genetic evidence on the predominance of glacial aridity in the Neotropics. In order to disentangle the climatic history of the Neotropics, the present study calls for a general multi‐disciplinary approach to conduct future phylogeographic studies. Given the contradictory paleoecological information, population genetic data on Neotropical cloud forest species should be used to explicitly test the genetic consequences of competing paleoecological models.
The Use of Polyoxometalates in the Design of Layer‐Like Hybrid Salts Containing Cationic Mn4 Single‐Molecule Magnets
Authors: Cardona‐Serra Salvador , Clemente‐Juan Juan Modesto , Coronado Eugenio , Martí‐Gastaldo Carlos , Navarro‐Moratalla Efrén
Published: January 2013

Herein, we describe the combination of polyoxometalates (POMs) with a polynuclear metallic cluster Mn4 {Mn4 = [Mn4(OAc)2(pdmH)6]2+, (pdmH = deprotonated pyridine‐2,6‐dimethanol; C7H8NO2)} for the construction of ionic crystals with layered architectures. Choosing a POM with the appropriate charge and size not only allows for the fine tuning of the stacking periodicity, but it also allows modifying the in‐plane packing motif and density of the cationic metallic clusters. The isolation of differently layered hybrid crystals with the same Mn4 single‐molecule‐magnet (SMM) system allowed for the direct comparison of the magnetic properties of such materials. The variation of the slow relaxation properties of the SMM clusters may be attributed to the variability of the low‐energy spin states, which are particularly sensitive to the specific counternanion used.
Impact of endogenous canola phenolics on the oxidative stability of oil‐in‐water emulsions
Authors: Sørensen Ann‐Dorit Moltke , Friel James , Winkler‐Moser Jill K. , Jacobsen Charlotte , Huidrom Dayanidhi , Reddy Narsi , Thiyam‐Holländer Usha
Published: January 2013

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidative effect of phenolics naturally present in canola seeds and meal. Individual phenolics were extracted from ground, defatted canola seeds, and meal. Fractionated extracts rich in sinapic acid, sinapine, or canolol as well as a non‐fractionated extract were used. These extracts (100 and 350 µM) were evaluated as antioxidants in stripped canola oil‐in‐water (o/w) emulsion. For comparison, the antioxidative effect of phenolic standards for sinapic acid and sinapine (as sinapine thiocyanate) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BTH) as a positive control were also evaluated. The concentration of lipid hydroperoxides and selected volatiles measured at different time points was used to evaluate the antioxidative effect. Moreover, the properties of extracts and corresponding phenolic standards were evaluated in three different in vitro antioxidant assays. All extracts and standard antioxidants had radical scavenging activity and reducing power. The antioxidant standards and extracts inhibited lipid oxidation in the emulsions compared to no antioxidant added. At 100 µM the effectiveness of the extracts was as follows: sinapine>whole extract>sinapic acid>canolol>Con2 (no antioxidant). At 350 µM the ranking was as follows: canolol ≥ sinapine ≥ whole extract ≥ sinapic acid > Con2. Sinapine and sinapic acid extracts were more efficient antioxidants than the corresponding pure standards. However, the most efficient antioxidant in this study was BHT. The differences in effectiveness may be ascribed to mainly the different chain attached to the phenolic ring, which results in different polarity and thus different location in the emulsions.

Practical applications: The result showed stronger antioxidant activity of canola extracts than phenolic standards. Therefore, these canola extracts can be used for protecting canola oil emulsion or other emulsions against lipid oxidation. However, the results indicate that the antioxidant activity of the extracts rich in sinapine and canolol had a concentration‐sensitive effect. In order to get the best antioxidative effect, optimization of the concentration to be used for each specific application is necessary.
Selectively Functionalized Constrained Polyazamacrocycles: Building Blocks for Multifunctional Chelating Agents
Authors: Désogère Pauline , Bernhard Claire , Goze Christine , Penouilh Marie‐José , Rousselin Yoann , Denat Franck
Published: January 2013

A new class of cross‐bridged and side‐bridged 1,4,7,10‐tetraazacyclotridecanes (homocyclens) bearing an aminomethyl pendant arm on the carbon skeleton has been prepared. The regioselectivity of the quaternization of the bis‐aminal intermediates is discussed on the basis of X‐ray diffraction and NMR experiments. These new polyazamacrocycles are valuable precursors of bifunctional chelating agents for applications in nuclear medicine.
A probabilistic approach for the prediction of seismic resilience of bridges
Authors: Decò Alberto , Bocchini Paolo , Frangopol Dan M.
Published: January 2013

This paper proposes a probabilistic approach for the pre‐event assessment of seismic resilience of bridges, including uncertainties associated with expected damage, restoration process, and rebuilding/rehabilitation costs. A fragility analysis performs the probabilistic evaluation of the level of damage (none, slight, moderate, extensive, and complete) induced on bridges by a seismic event. Then, a probabilistic six‐parameter sinusoidal‐based function describes the bridge functionality over time. Depending on the level of regional seismic hazard, the level of performance that decision makers plan to achieve, the allowable economic impact, and the available budget for post‐event rehabilitation activities, a wide spectrum of scenarios are provided. Possible restoration strategies accounting for the desired level of resilience and direct and indirect costs are investigated by performing a Monte Carlo simulation based on Latin hypercube sampling. Sensitivity analyses show how the recovery parameters affect the resilience assessment and seismic impact. Finally, the proposed approach is applied to an existing highway bridge located along a segment of I‐15, between the cities of Corona and Murrieta, in California. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of sediment composition on cadmium bioaccumulation in the clam Meretrix meretrix Linnaeus
Authors: Wu Xing , Xie Lingtian , Xu Liying , Wang Shaofeng , Jia Yongfeng
Published: January 2013

Sediment particulates can be ingested by benthic animals, and the bioavailability of associated metals strongly depends on their speciation in the sediments. Different sedimentary components have distinct physiochemical characteristics and result in different biological responses from animals. Therefore, the bioaccumulation of particle-bound trace metals may be different. In the present study, bioaccumulation of cadmium adsorbed on various (hydr)oxide minerals, that is, ferric hydroxide, aluminum hydroxide, and manganese dioxide, in the clam Meretrix meretrix Linnaeus was studied. The results showed that the accumulation rate of cadmium varied for different mineral-adsorbed cadmium. The bioaccumulation of metal (hydr)oxide-adsorbed cadmium in M. meretrix followed the order Cd-MnO2 > Cd-Al(OH)3 > Cd-Fe(OH)3. The type of mineral determines both the assimilation efficiency and ingestion rate, and consequently controls the bioaccumulation of adsorbed cadmium. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2013;32:841–847. © 2013 SETAC
Impact assessment of dredging to remove coal fly ash at the Tennessee Valley Authority Kingston Fossil plant using fathead minnow elutriate exposures
Authors: Stanley Jacob K. , Kennedy Alan J. , Bednar Anthony J. , Chappell Mark A. , Seiter Jennifer M. , Averett Daniel E. , Steevens Jeffery A.
Published: January 2013

On December 22, 2008, failure of an earthen containment structure resulted in the release of approximately 4.1 million m3 of coal fly ash into the Emory River and the surrounding area from the Tennessee Valley Authority Kingston Fossil Plant near Kingston, Tennessee, USA. The purpose of the present study was to assess the potential of dredging activities performed to remove the fly ash from the river to result in increased risk to pelagic fish, with special consideration of mobilization of metals. Elutriates were created using two sources of fly ash by bubbling with air over 10 d. This elutriate preparation method was designed to represent worst-case conditions for oxidation, metal release, and dissolution. Larval and juvenile Pimephales promelas underwent 10-d exposures to these elutriates. Larval end points included survival and biomass, and juvenile end points included survival, length, biomass, liver somatic index, and bioaccumulation. No significant toxicity was observed. Bioaccumulation of metals in juveniles was found to be primarily attributable to metals associated with particles in the gut. Results suggest little potential for toxicity to related fish species due to fly ash removal dredging activities given the extreme conditions represented by the elutriates in the present study. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2013;32:822–830. © 2013 SETAC
Downregulation of cell‐free miR‐198 as a diagnostic biomarker for lung adenocarcinoma‐associated malignant pleural effusion
Authors: Han Hye‐Suk , Yun Jieun , Lim Sung‐nam , Han Joung‐Ho , Lee Ki Hyeong , Kim Seung Taik , Kang Min‐Ho , Son Seung‐Myoung , Lee Yong‐Moon , Choi Song‐Yi , Yun Seok Joong , Kim Wun‐Jae , Lee Ok‐Jun
Published: January 2013

Circulating cell‐free microRNAs (miRNAs) are potential cancer biomarkers. The aim of this study was to identify miRNAs that are differentially expressed between benign pleural effusion (BPE) and lung adenocarcinoma‐associated malignant pleural effusion (LA‐MPE). The expression level of cell‐free miRNA was investigated in 107 patients with pleural effusion. Microarrays were used to screen 160 miRNAs in a discovery set comprising 20 effusion samples (ten BPEs and ten LA‐MPEs). Real‐time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) was used to validate the profiling results obtained for the discovery set and those obtained for a validation set comprising 42 BPEs and 45 LA‐MPEs. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the identified miRNAs and other common tumor markers, such as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and cytokeratin fragment (CYFRA) 21‐1. Microarray profiling showed that miR‐198 was significantly downregulated in LA‐MPE compared with BPE (p = 0.002). The miRNA microarray analysis results were confirmed by qRT‐PCR (p < 0.001) using the validation set. The AUCs for miR‐198, CEA and CYFRA 21‐1 in the validation set were 0.887, 0.898 and 0.836, respectively. The diagnostic performance of miR‐198 was comparable with that of CEA, but better than that of CYFRA 21‐1. The AUC for all three markers combined was 0.926 (95% confidence interval, 0.843–0.973) with a sensitivity of 89.2% and a specificity of 85.0%. The present study suggests that cell‐free miR‐198 from patients with pleural effusion might have diagnostic potential for differentiating LA‐MPE from BPE.
Detoxification of corn stover hydrolysate using surfactant‐based aqueous two phase system
Authors: Dhamole Pradip B. , Wang Bin , Feng Hao
Published: January 2013

BACKGROUND

Pretreatment methods used to break down lignocellulose structure lead to the generation of compounds that inhibit ethanol fermentation. Hence, removal of these compounds is essential for improved fermentability. The surfactant‐based cloud point extraction (CPE) aqueous two phase system is a new method having the potential for separation and recovery of inhibitors. The present work examines the potential of surfactants‐based CPE systems as a detoxification method.

RESULTS

Surfactants L62D and L62LF achieved more than 90% removal of phenolic compounds and less than 20% removal of acetic acid and HMF from a model system when the surfactant concentration was 1% and 5%. With untreated simulated hydrolysate containing inhibitors the fermentation was inhibited completely. Detoxification of the same hydrolysate with L62D (1% and 5%) and L62LF (1% and 5%) showed complete fermentation with high ethanol productivity (0.61 g L‐1 h‐1). Similarly, the detoxified corn stover hydrolysate showed delayed fermentation. The productivity increased by 30% after detoxification with 1% of the two surfactants and by 100% with 5% of the surfactants (L62D and L62LF).

CONCLUSION

The new surfactant‐based detoxification method significantly improved the fermentability of simulated hydrolysate and corn stover hydrolysate. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Hyperpolarized 129Xe MRI of the human lung
Authors: Mugler John P. , Altes Talissa A.
Published: January 2013

By permitting direct visualization of the airspaces of the lung, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using hyperpolarized gases provides unique strategies for evaluating pulmonary structure and function. Although the vast majority of research in humans has been performed using hyperpolarized 3He, recent contraction in the supply of 3He and consequent increases in price have turned attention to the alternative agent, hyperpolarized 129Xe. Compared to 3He, 129Xe yields reduced signal due to its smaller magnetic moment. Nonetheless, taking advantage of advances in gas‐polarization technology, recent studies in humans using techniques for measuring ventilation, diffusion, and partial pressure of oxygen have demonstrated results for hyperpolarized 129Xe comparable to those previously demonstrated using hyperpolarized 3He. In addition, xenon has the advantage of readily dissolving in lung tissue and blood following inhalation, which makes hyperpolarized 129Xe particularly attractive for exploring certain characteristics of lung function, such as gas exchange and uptake, which cannot be accessed using 3He. Preliminary results from methods for imaging 129Xe dissolved in the human lung suggest that these approaches will provide new opportunities for quantifying relationships among gas delivery, exchange, and transport, and thus show substantial potential to broaden our understanding of lung disease. Finally, recent changes in the commercial landscape of the hyperpolarized‐gas field now make it possible for this innovative technology to move beyond the research laboratory. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;37:313–331. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A new paradigm for signal processing of Raman spectra using a smoothing free algorithm: Coupling continuous wavelet transform with signal removal method
Authors: Kandjani Ahmad Esmaielzadeh , Griffin Matthew J. , Ramanathan Rajesh , Ippolito Samuel J. , Bhargava Suresh K. , Bansal Vipul
Published: January 2013

Noise removal is considered a primary and inevitable step for background correction in experimentally obtained Raman spectra. Employing an appropriate algorithm for a smoothing‐free background correction technique not only increases the speed but also eliminates unwanted errors from the smoothing algorithms. Herein, we show a new smoothing‐free method for background correction, which we developed by merging continuous wavelet transform and signal removal method, which in combination, could be applied to noisy signals without smoothing. We used wavelet transformation for suppressing the side effects of noise and eliminating peaks from the spectrum, thereby providing spectral sections purely related to the background to be used in the background correction process. We applied a range of statistical analyses to test the performance of this algorithm, wherein a low deviation in background correction procedure was observed. Additionally, when we tested this algorithm for experimentally obtained real Raman spectra, it showed good capability to correct background of noisy signals without the requirement of a smoothing process. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐resolution peptide separations using nano‐LC at ultra‐high pressure
Authors: Nováková Lucie , Vaast Axel , Stassen Catherine , Broeckhoven Ken , De Pra Mauro , Swart Remco , Desmet Gert , Eeltink Sebastiaan
Published: January 2013

We report on the optimization of nano‐LC gradient separations of proteomic samples that vary in complexity. The gradient performance limits were visualized by kinetic plots depicting the gradient time needed to achieve a certain peak capacity, while using the maximum system pressure of 80 MPa. The selection of the optimal particle size/column length combination and corresponding gradient steepness was based on scouting the performance of 75 μm id capillary columns packed with 2, 3, and 5 μm fully porous silica C18 particles. At optimal gradient conditions, peak capacities up to 500 can be obtained within a 120 min gradient using 2 μm particle‐packed capillary columns. Separations of proteomic samples including a cytochrome c tryptic digest, a bovine serum albumin tryptic digest, a six protein mix digest, and an Escherichia coli digest are demonstrated while operating at the kinetic‐performance limit, i.e. using 2‐μm packed columns, adjusting the column length and scaling the gradient steepness according to sample complexity. Finally, good run‐to‐run retention time stability (RSD values below 0.18%) was demonstrated applying ultra‐high pressure conditions.
Organic Carbon Dynamics in Different Soil Types After Conversion of Forest to Agriculture
Authors: Bruun T. B. , Elberling B. , de Neergaard A. , Magid J.
Published: January 2013

State‐of‐the‐art predictive models of soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics associated with land use changes are unable to reflect the diversity of tropical soil types as the knowledge of contrasting site‐specific factors in mediating the response of the SOC pool is sparse. This paper examines the influence of soil type and management on SOC dynamics following the conversion of forests to annual cropping in Ghana. Soil from primary forests and from areas with short (2–7 years) and long (20 years) histories of maize cultivation was sampled from a Vertisol dominated by smectite and Ultisol dominated by kaolinite. Wet sieving was used to separate soil fractions below and above 250 µm. SOC concentrations and δ13C signatures of SOC in soil fractions and bulk soil were determined. SOC stocks were calculated by the commonly used fixed depth approach and by the equivalent soil mass approach. After 20 years of cultivation of the Vertisol, the total SOC content was 40 per cent lower than under forest, and about 95 per cent of the forest‐derived SOC had been lost. After 20 years of cultivation of the Ultisol, total SOC content was only about 20 per cent lower than under forest and merely 30 per cent of the forest‐derived SOC had been lost. Both soil types were managed as they would typically be in small scale farming systems, thus the higher SOC losses and the substantial loss of forest‐derived SOC from the Vertisol question the conventional concept of smectite having a higher SOC‐stabilizing potential than kaolinite under field conditions. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.