bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enantiomeric separations of illicit drugs and controlled substances using cyclofructan‐based (LARIHC) and cyclobond I 2000 RSP HPLC chiral stationary phases
Authors: Padivitage Nilusha L.T. , Dodbiba Edra , Breitbach Zachary S. , Armstrong Daniel W.
Published: October 2013

Recently a novel class of chiral stationary phases (CSPs) based on cyclofructan (CF) has been developed. Cyclofructans are cyclic oligosaccharides that possess a crown ether core and pendent fructofuranose moieties. Herein, we evaluate the applicability of these novel CSPs for the enantiomeric separation of chiral illicit drugs and controlled substances directly without any derivatization. A set of 20 racemic compounds were used to evaluate these columns including 8 primary amines, 5 secondary amines, and 7 tertiary amines. Of the new cyclofructan‐based LARIHC columns, 14 enantiomeric separations were obtained including 7 baseline and 7 partial separations. The LARIHC CF6‐P column proved to be the most useful in separating illicit drugs and controlled substances accounting for 11 of the 14 optimized separations. The polar organic mode containing small amounts of methanol in acetonitrile was the most useful solvent system for the LARIHC CF6‐P CSP. Furthermore, the LARIHC CF7‐DMP CSP proved to be valuable for the separation of the tested chiral drugs resulting in four of the optimized enantiomeric separations, whereas the CF6‐RN did not yield any optimum separations. The broad selectivity of the LARIHC CF7‐DMP CSP is evident as it separated primary, secondary and tertiary amine containing chiral drugs. The compounds that were partially or un‐separated using the cyclofructan based columns were screened with a Cyclobond I 2000 RSP column. This CSP provided three baseline and six partial separations. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Systematic investigation of the incorporation mechanisms of zolpidem in fingernails
Authors: Madry Milena M. , Steuer Andrea E. , Binz Tina M. , Baumgartner Markus R. , Kraemer Thomas
Published: October 2013

Nails are attracting increasing interest in forensic toxicology as an alternative to hair. The goal of this study was to systematically investigate the incorporation of drugs in fingernails after single drug dose, exemplified for zolpidem. Fingernail samples from ring fingers were collected one week before, and then 24 h and weekly after intake for a period of three to five months. Hair samples were taken six weeks after intake. Nail specimens were pulverized and extracted with methanol (internal standard: zolpidem‐D6) under sonication. Extracts were analyzed by a liquid chromatography‐electrospray ionization‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐ESI‐MS/MS) method, which was developed and validated for this study. The lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) for a 5‐mg sample was 0.1 pg/mg nail. Zolpidem was detected continuously in fingernail clippings. The mean window of detection of zolpidem in fingernail clippings was 3.5 months. Unwashed nail specimens taken 24 h after intake showed the highest zolpidem concentrations indicating external contamination by sweat. External contamination experiments revealed that zolpidem could be incorporated in fingernails by sweat to such an extent that it remained irremovable by daily hygiene. Averagely 3 months after intake a concentration peak was reached, suggesting outgrowth of the nail part which had been formed while the drug circulated in blood. Hair concentrations were higher than the maximum nail concentrations. Pigmented hair contained more zolpidem than non‐pigmented hair from the same strand. From all these results it can be concluded, that fingernail clippings may represent a useful alternative and/or complementary matrix in cases of, for example, drug‐facilitated sexual assault or monitoring of constant consumption behavior. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ENU‐3 functions in an UNC‐6/netrin dependent pathway parallel to UNC‐40/DCC/frazzled for outgrowth and guidance of the touch receptor neurons inC. elegans
Authors: Yee Callista , Florica Roxana , Fillingham Jeffrey , Killeen Marie T.
Published: October 2013

Background:UNC‐6 and SLT‐1 guide the migrations of the ventrally directed processes of the AVM and PVM touch receptor neurons and UNC‐6 guides the axons of the DA and DB classes of motor neurons inC. elegans. The UNC‐6 receptors are UNC‐5 and UNC‐40. The axon outgrowth defects of a subset of the DB motor neurons in the absence of UNC‐5 are enhanced by mutations inenu‐3.Results:Anenu‐3mutation enhances defects in ventral guidance of the processes of the AVM and PVM touch receptor neurons, the dorsal guidance of the distal tip cell and causes additional architectural defects in axons inunc‐40mutant strains in an UNC‐6 dependent manner. These observations suggest that ENU‐3 and UNC‐40 function in parallel pathways dependent on UNC‐6. ENU‐3 depends on the presence of UNC‐40 for its full effect on motor neuron axon outgrowth.Conclusions:ENU‐3 works in an UNC‐6 dependent pathway parallel to UNC‐40 in ventral guidance of AVM and PVM and in dorsal guidance of the distal tip cells. Motor neuron axon outgrowth defects are caused by the presence of UNC‐40 and the absence of functional UNC‐5 or UNC‐6 and defects are enhanced by the absence of functional ENU‐3.Developmental Dynamics 243:459–467, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Epicardial‐derived adrenomedullin drives cardiac hyperplasia during embryogenesis
Authors: Wetzel‐Strong Sarah E. , Li Manyu , Klein Klara R. , Nishikimi Toshio , Caron Kathleen M.
Published: October 2013

Background: Growth promoting signals from the epicardium are essential for driving myocardial proliferation during embryogenesis. In adults, these signals become reactivated following injury and promote angiogenesis and myocardial repair. Therefore, identification of such paracrine factors could lead to novel therapeutic strategies. The multi‐functional peptide adrenomedullin (Adm = gene, AM = protein) is required for normal heart development. Moreover, elevated plasma AM following myocardial infarction offers beneficial cardioprotection and serves as a powerful diagnostic and prognostic indication of disease severity. Results: Here, we developed a new model of Adm overexpression by stabilizing the Adm mRNA through gene‐targeted replacement of the endogenous 3′ untranslated region. As expected, Admhi/hi mice express three‐times more AM than controls in multiple tissues, including the heart. Despite normal blood pressures, Admhi/hi mice unexpectedly showed significantly enlarged hearts due to increased cardiac hyperplasia during development. The targeting vector was designed to allow for reversion to wild‐type levels by means of Cre‐mediated modification. Using this approach, we demonstrate that AM derived from the epicardium, but not the myocardium or cardiac fibroblast, is responsible for driving cardiomyocyte hyperplasia. Conclusions: AM is produced by the epicardium and drives myocyte proliferation during development, thus representing a novel and clinically relevant factor potentially related to mechanisms of cardiac repair after injury. Developmental Dynamics 243:243–256, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bhlhb5 is required for the subtype development of retinal amacrine and bipolar cells in mice
Authors: Huang Liang , Hu Fang , Feng Liang , Luo Xiong‐Jian , Liang Guoqing , Zeng Xiang‐Yun , Yi Jing‐Lin , Gan Lin
Published: October 2013

Background: BHLHB5, an OLIG‐related basic helix‐loop‐helix transcription factor, is required for the development of a subset of gamma‐amino butyric acid–releasing (GABAergic) amacrine cells and OFF‐cone bipolar (CB) cells in mouse retinas. In order to determine BHLHB5's functional mechanism in retinogenesis, we used the Cre‐loxP recombination system to genetically trace the lineage of BHLHB5+ cells in normal and Bhlhb5‐null retinas. The Bhlhb5‐Cre knock‐in allele was used to activate the constitutive expression of a GFP reporter in the Bhlhb5‐expressing cells, and the cell fates of Bhlhb5‐lineage cells were identified by using specific cell markers and were compared between normal and Bhlhb5‐null retinas. Results: In addition to GABAergic amacrine and OFF‐CB cells, Bhlhb5 lineage cells give rise to ganglion, glycinergic amacrine, rod bipolar, ON‐bipolar, and rod photoreceptor cells during normal retinal development. Targeted deletion of Bhlhb5 resulted in the loss of GABAergic amacrine, glycinergic amacrine, dopaminergic amacrine, and Type 2 OFF‐CB cells. Furthermore, in the absence of BHLHB5, a portion of Bhlhb5 lineage cells switch their fate and differentiate into cholinergic amacrine cells. Conclusions: Our data reveal a broad expression pattern of Bhlhb5 throughout retinogenesis and demonstrate the cell‐autonomous as well as non‐cell‐autonomous role of Bhlhb5 in the specification of amacrine and bipolar subtypes. Developmental Dynamics 243:279–289, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mathematical modelling of digit specification by a sonic hedgehog gradient
Authors: Woolley Thomas E. , Baker Ruth E. , Tickle Cheryll , Maini Philip K. , Towers Matthew
Published: October 2013

Background: The three chick wing digits represent a classical example of a pattern specified by a morphogen gradient. Here we have investigated whether a mathematical model of a Shh gradient can describe the specification of the identities of the three chick wing digits and if it can be applied to limbs with more digits. Results: We have produced a mathematical model for specification of chick wing digit identities by a Shh gradient that can be extended to the four digits of the chick leg with Shh‐producing cells forming a digit. This model cannot be extended to specify the five digits of the mouse limb. Conclusions: Our data suggest that the parameters of a classical‐type morphogen gradient are sufficient to specify the identities of three different digits. However, to specify more digit identities, this core mechanism has to be coupled to alternative processes, one being that in the chick leg and mouse limb, Shh‐producing cells give rise to digits; another that in the mouse limb, the cellular response to the Shh gradient adapts over time so that digit specification does not depend simply on Shh concentration. Developmental Dynamics 243:290–298, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Slitrk gene duplication and expression in the developing zebrafish nervous system
Authors: Round Jennifer , Ross Brittany , Angel Mark , Shields Kayla , Lom Barbara
Published: October 2013

Background: The Slitrk family of leucine‐rich repeat (LRR) transmembrane proteins bears structural similarity to the Slits and the Trk receptor families, which exert well‐established roles in directing nervous system development. Slitrks are less well understood, although they are highly expressed in the developing vertebrate nervous system. Moreover, slitrk variants are associated with several sensory and neuropsychiatric disorders, including myopia, deafness, obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD), schizophrenia, and Tourette syndrome. Loss‐of‐function studies in mice show that Slitrks modulate neurite outgrowth and inhibitory synapse formation, although the molecular mechanisms of Slitrk function remain poorly characterized. Results: As a prelude to examining the functional roles of Slitrks, we identified eight slitrk orthologs in zebrafish and observed that seven of the eight orthologs were actively transcribed in the nervous system at embryonic, larval, and adult stages. Similar to previous findings in mice and humans, zebrafish slitrks exhibited unique but overlapping spatial and temporal expression patterns in the developing brain, retina, and spinal cord. Conclusions: Zebrafish express Slitrks in the developing central nervous system at times and locations important to neuronal morphogenesis and synaptogenesis. Future studies will use zebrafish as a convenient, cost‐effective model organism to characterize the functional roles of Slitrks in nervous system development. Developmental Dynamics 243:339–349, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A new procedure to measure children's reading speed and accuracy in Italian
Authors: Morlini Isabella , Stella Giacomo , Scorza Maristella
Published: October 2013

Impaired readers in primary school should be early recognized, in order to asses a targeted intervention within the school and to start a teaching that respects the difficulties in learning to read, to write and to perform calculations. Screening procedures, inside the primary schools aimed at detecting children with difficulties in reading, are of fundamental importance for guaranteeing an early identification of dyslexic children and reducing both the primary negative effects—on learning—and the secondary negative effects—on the development of the personality—of this disturbance. In this study, we propose a new screening procedure measuring reading speed and accuracy. This procedure is very fast (it is exactly 1 min long), simple, cheap and can be provided by teachers without technical knowledge. On the contrary, most of the currently used diagnostic tests are about 10 min long and must be provided by experts. These two major flaws prevent the widespread use of these tests. On the basis of the results obtained in a survey on about 1500 students attending primary school in Italy, we investigate the relationships between variables used in the screening procedure and variables measuring speed and accuracy in the currently used diagnostic tests in Italy. Then, we analyse the validity of the screening procedure from a statistical point of view, and with an explorative factor analysis, we show that reading speed and accuracy seem to be two separate symptoms of the dyslexia phenomenon. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessing global and gene specific DNA methylation in anorexia nervosa: A pilot study
Authors: Saffrey Richard , Novakovic Boris , Wade Tracey D.
Published: October 2013

Objective

At present there are no genome‐wide methylation data available in anorexia nervosa (AN) and no studies have examined the potential dynamic nature of DNA methylation during treatment, so it is unclear whether epigenetic disruption established over long periods of malnourishment is reversible. The current study examined global levels of DNA methylation and methylation at a labile imprinted locus in women with AN.

Method

Buccal swabs were collected from 10 women who were admitted to hospital for treatment of AN and 10 age‐matched healthy controls DNA methylation of LINE‐1 repetitive elements and the H19 imprinting control region was measured using previously validated assays using the Sequenom Mass Array platform.

Results

No evidence for altered global or gene‐specific DNA methylation was observed in association with AN.

Discussion

Larger, genome‐wide studies of epigenetic modifications, encompassing both DNA methylation and other epigenetic marks, are required to determine the degree to which AN is associated with specific epigenetic changes, potentially modifiable through appropriate treatments that improve nutrition. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2014; 47:206‐210)
A multievent approach to estimating pair fidelity and heterogeneity in state transitions
Authors: Culina Antica , Lachish Shelly , Pradel Roger , Choquet Remi , Sheldon Ben C.
Published: October 2013

Fidelity rates of pair‐bonded individuals are of considerable interest to behavioral and population biologists as they can influence population structure, mating rates, population productivity, and gene flow. Estimates of fidelity rates calculated from direct observations of pairs in consecutive breeding seasons may be biased because (i) individuals that are not seen are assumed to be dead, (ii) variation in the detectability of individuals is ignored, and (iii) pair status must be known with certainty. This can lead to a high proportion of observations being ignored. This approach also restricts the way variation in fidelity rates for different types of individuals, or the covariation between fidelity and other vital rates (e.g., survival) can be analyzed. In this study, we develop a probabilistic multievent capture–mark–recapture (MECMR) modeling framework for estimating pair fidelity rates that accounts for imperfect detection rates and capture heterogeneity, explicitly incorporates uncertainty in the assessment of pair status, and allows estimates of state‐dependent survival and fidelity rates to be obtained simultaneously. We demonstrate the utility of our approach for investigating patterns of fidelity in pair‐bonded individuals, by applying it to 30 years of breeding data from a wild population of great titsParus majorLinnaeus. Results of model selection supported state‐dependent recapture, survival, and fidelity rates. Recapture rates were higher for individuals breeding with their previous partner than for those breeding with a different partner. Faithful birds that were breeding with the same partner as in the previous breeding season (i.e., att − 1) experienced substantially higher survival rates (betweentandt + 1) and were also more likely to remain faithful to their current partner (i.e., to remain in the faithful state att + 1). First year breeders were more likely to change partner than older birds. These findings imply that traditional estimates, which do not account for state‐dependent parameters, may be both inaccurate and biased, and hence, inferences based on them may conceal important biological effects. This was demonstrated in the analysis of simulated capture histories, which showed that our MECMR model was able to estimate state‐dependant survival and pair fidelity rates in the face of varying state‐dependant recapture rates robustly, and more accurately, than the traditional method. In addition, this new modeling approach provides a statistically rigorous framework for testing hypothesis about the causes and consequences of fidelity to a partner for natural populations. The novel modeling approach described here can readily be applied, either in its current form or via extension, to other populations and other types of dyadic interactions (e.g., between nonpaired individuals, such as parent–offspring relationships, or between individuals and locations, such as nest‐site fidelity).
Differences in boldness are repeatable and heritable in a long‐lived marine predator
Authors: Patrick Samantha C. , Charmantier Anne , Weimerskirch Henri
Published: October 2013

Animal personalities, composed of axes of consistent individual behaviors, are widely reported and can have important fitness consequences. However, despite theoretical predictions that life‐history trade‐offs may cause and maintain personality differences, our understanding of the evolutionary ecology of personality remains poor, especially in long‐lived species where trade‐offs and senescence have been shown to be stronger. Furthermore, although much theoretical and empirical work assumes selection shapes variation in personalities, studies exploring the genetic underpinnings of personality traits are rare. Here we study one standard axis of personality, the shy–bold continuum, in a long‐lived marine species, the wandering albatross from Possession Island, Crozet, by measuring the behavioral response to a human approach. Using generalized linear mixed models in a Bayesian framework, we show that boldness is highly repeatable and heritable. We also find strong differences in boldness between breeding colonies, which vary in size and density, suggesting birds are shyer in more dense colonies. These results demonstrate that in this seabird population, boldness is both heritable and repeatable and highlights the potential for ecological and evolutionary processes to shape personality traits in species with varying life‐history strategies.
Within‐colony feeding selectivity by a corallivorous reef fish: foraging to maximize reward?
Authors: Brooker Rohan M. , Jones Geoffrey P. , Munday Philip L.
Published: October 2013

Foraging theory predicts that individuals should choose a prey that maximizes energy rewards relative to the energy expended to access, capture, and consume the prey. However, the relative roles of differences in the nutritive value of foods and costs associated with differences in prey accessibility are not always clear. Coral‐feeding fishes are known to be highly selective feeders on particular coral genera or species and even different parts of individual coral colonies. The absence of strong correlations between the nutritional value of corals and prey preferences suggests other factors such as polyp accessibility may be important. Here, we investigated within‐colony feeding selectivity by the corallivorous filefish, Oxymonacanthus longirostris, and if prey accessibility determines foraging patterns. After confirming that this fish primarily feeds on coral polyps, we examined whether fish show a preference for different parts of a common branching coral, Acropora nobilis, both in the field and in the laboratory experiments with simulated corals. We then experimentally tested whether nonuniform patterns of feeding on preferred coral species reflect structural differences between polyps. We found that O. longirostris exhibits nonuniform patterns of foraging in the field, selectively feeding midway along branches. On simulated corals, fish replicated this pattern when food accessibility was equal along the branch. However, when food access varied, fish consistently modified their foraging behavior, preferring to feed where food was most accessible. When foraging patterns were compared with coral morphology, fish preferred larger polyps and less skeletal protection. Our results highlight that patterns of interspecific and intraspecific selectivity can reflect coral morphology, with fish preferring corals or parts of coral colonies with structural characteristics that increase prey accessibility.
Effects of inbreeding on fitness‐related traits in a small isolated moose population
Authors: Haanes Hallvard , Markussen Stine S. , Herfindal Ivar , Røed Knut H. , Solberg Erling J. , Heim Morten , Midthjell Liv , Sæther Bernt‐Erik
Published: October 2013

Inbreeding can affect fitness‐related traits at different life history stages and may interact with environmental variation to induce even larger effects. We used genetic parentage assignment based on 22 microsatellite loci to determine a 25 year long pedigree for a newly established island population of moose with 20–40 reproducing individuals annually. We used the pedigree to calculate individual inbreeding coefficients and examined for effects of individual inbreeding (f) and heterozygosity on fitness‐related traits. We found negative effects of f on birth date, calf body mass and twinning rate. The relationship between f and calf body mass and twinning rate were found to be separate but weaker after accounting for birth date. We found no support for an inbreeding effect on the age‐specific lifetime reproductive success of females. The influence of f on birth date was related to climatic conditions during the spring prior to birth, indicating that calves with a low f were born earlier after a cold spring than calves with high f. In years with a warm spring, calf f did not affect birth date. The results suggest that severe inbreeding in moose has both indirect effects on fitness through delayed birth and lower juvenile body mass, as well as separate direct effects, as there still was a significant relationship between f and twinning rate after accounting for birth date and body mass as calf. Consequently, severe inbreeding as found in the study population may have consequences for population growth and extinction risk.
Early growth, dominance acquisition and lifetime reproductive success in male and female cooperative meerkats
Authors: English Sinead , Huchard Elise , Nielsen Johanna F. , Clutton‐Brock Tim H.
Published: October 2013

In polygynous species, variance in reproductive success is higher in males than females. There is consequently stronger selection for competitive traits in males and early growth can have a greater influence on later fitness in males than in females. As yet, little is known about sex differences in the effect of early growth on subsequent breeding success in species where variance in reproductive success is higher in females than males, and competitive traits are under stronger selection in females. Greater variance in reproductive success has been documented in several singular cooperative breeders. Here, we investigated consequences of early growth for later reproductive success in wild meerkats. We found that, despite the absence of dimorphism, females who exhibited faster growth until nutritional independence were more likely to become dominant, whereas early growth did not affect dominance acquisition in males. Among those individuals who attained dominance, there was no further influence of early growth on dominance tenure or lifetime reproductive success in males or females. These findings suggest that early growth effects on competitive abilities and fitness may reflect the intensity of intrasexual competition even in sexually monomorphic species.
A hierarchical nest survival model integrating incomplete temporally varying covariates
Authors: Converse Sarah J. , Royle J. Andrew , Adler Peter H. , Urbanek Richard P. , Barzen Jeb A.
Published: October 2013

Nest success is a critical determinant of the dynamics of avian populations, and nest survival modeling has played a key role in advancing avian ecology and management. Beginning with the development of daily nest survival models, and proceeding through subsequent extensions, the capacity for modeling the effects of hypothesized factors on nest survival has expanded greatly. We extend nest survival models further by introducing an approach to deal with incompletely observed, temporally varying covariates using a hierarchical model. Hierarchical modeling offers a way to separate process and observational components of demographic models to obtain estimates of the parameters of primary interest, and to evaluate structural effects of ecological and management interest. We built a hierarchical model for daily nest survival to analyze nest data from reintroduced whooping cranes (Grus americana) in the Eastern Migratory Population. This reintroduction effort has been beset by poor reproduction, apparently due primarily to nest abandonment by breeding birds. We used the model to assess support for the hypothesis that nest abandonment is caused by harassment from biting insects. We obtained indices of blood‐feeding insect populations based on the spatially interpolated counts of insects captured in carbon dioxide traps. However, insect trapping was not conducted daily, and so we had incomplete information on a temporally variable covariate of interest. We therefore supplemented our nest survival model with a parallel model for estimating the values of the missing insect covariates. We used Bayesian model selection to identify the best predictors of daily nest survival. Our results suggest that the black flySimulium annulusmay be negatively affecting nest survival of reintroduced whooping cranes, with decreasing nest survival as abundance ofS. annulusincreases. The modeling framework we have developed will be applied in the future to a larger data set to evaluate the biting‐insect hypothesis and other hypotheses for nesting failure in this reintroduced population; resulting inferences will support ongoing efforts to manage this population via an adaptive management approach. Wider application of our approach offers promise for modeling the effects of other temporally varying, but imperfectly observed covariates on nest survival, including the possibility of modeling temporally varying covariates collected from incubating adults.
Satellite‐derived estimations of spatial and seasonal variation in tropospheric carbon dioxide mass over China
Authors: Xu Yuyue , Ke Changqing , Wang Juanle , Sun Jiulin , Liu Yang , Harris Warwick , Kou Cheng
Published: October 2013

China has frequently been questioned about the data transparency and accuracy of its energy and emission statistics. Satellite‐derived remote sensing data potentially provide a useful tool to study the variation in carbon dioxide (CO2) mass over areas of the earth's surface. In this study, Greenhouse gases Observing SATellite (GOSAT) tropospheric CO2 concentration data and NCEP/NCAR reanalysis tropopause data were integrated to obtain estimates of tropospheric CO2 mass variations over the surface of China. These variations were mapped to show seasonal and spatial patterns with reference to China's provincial areas. The estimates of provincial tropospheric CO2 were related to statistical estimates of CO2 emissions for the provinces and considered with reference to provincial populations and gross regional products (GRP). Tropospheric CO2 masses for the Chinese provinces ranged from 53 ± 1 to 14,470 ± 63 million tonnes were greater for western than for eastern provinces and were primarily a function of provincial land area. Adjusted for land area troposphere CO2 mass was higher for eastern and southern provinces than for western and northern provinces. Tropospheric CO2 mass over China varied with season being highest in July and August and lowest in January and February. The average annual emission from provincial energy statistics of CO2 by China was estimated as 10.3% of the average mass of CO2 in the troposphere over China. The relationship between statistical emissions relative to tropospheric CO2 mass was higher than 20% for developed coastal provinces of China, with Shanghai, Tianjin, and Beijing having exceptionally high percentages. The percentages were generally lower than 10% for western inland provinces. Provincial estimates of emissions of CO2 were significantly positively related to provincial populations and gross regional products (GRP) when the values for the provincial municipalities Shanghai, Tianjin, and Beijing were excluded from the linear regressions. An increase in provincial GRP per person was related to a curvilinear increase in CO2 emissions, this being particularly marked for Beijing, Tianjin, and especially Shanghai. The absence of detection of specific elevation of CO2 mass in the troposphere above these municipalities may relate to the rapid mixing and dispersal of CO2 emissions or the proportion of the depth of the troposphere sensed by GOSAT.
Individual differences in migratory behavior shape population genetic structure and microhabitat choice in sympatric blackcaps (Sylvia atricapilla)
Authors: Rolshausen Gregor , Segelbacher Gernot , Hermes Claudia , Hobson Keith A. , Schaefer H. Martin
Published: October 2013

In migratory birds, traits such as orientation and distance are known to have a strong genetic background, and they often exhibit considerable within‐population variation. How this variation relates to evolutionary responses to ongoing selection is unknown because the underlying mechanisms that translate environmental changes into population genetic changes are unclear. We show that within‐population genetic structure in southern German blackcaps (Sylvia atricapilla) is related to individual differences in migratory behavior. Our 3‐year study revealed a positive correlation between individual migratory origins, denoted via isotope (δ2H) values, and genetic distances. Genetic diversity and admixture differed not only across a recently established migratory polymorphism with NW‐ and SW‐migrating birds but also across δ2H clusters within the same migratory route. Our results suggest assortment based on individual migratory origins which would facilitate evolutionary responses. We scrutinized arrival times and microhabitat choice as potential mechanisms mediating between individual variation in migratory behavior and assortment. We found significant support that microhabitat choice, rather than timing of arrival, is associated with individual variation in migratory origins. Moreover, examining genetic diversity across the migratory divide, we found migrants following the NW route to be genetically more distinct from each other compared with migrants following the traditional SW route. Our study suggests that migratory behavior shapes population genetic structure in blackcaps not only across the migratory divide but also on an individual level independent of the divide. Thus, within‐population variation in migratory behavior might play an important role in translating environmental change into genetic change.
Nodal promotes the generation of M2‐like macrophages and downregulates the expression of IL‐12
Authors: Wang Xian‐Feng , Wang Hong‐Sheng , Zhang Fan , Guo Qiang , Wang Hao , Wang Ke‐Fang , Zhang Ge , Bu Xian‐zhang , Cai Shao‐Hui , Du Jun
Published: October 2013

Nodal, a member of the TGF‐β superfamily, is an embryonic morphogen that is upregulated in different types of tumors. Nodal increases the tumorigenesis by inducing angiogenesis and promoting metastasis. Importantly, Nodal inhibition suppresses the growth and invasion of tumor. Since tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) are the major infiltrating leukocytes in most cancers, we investigated whether Nodal is involved in the differentiation of TAMs. Our results revealed that Nodal inhibition in tumor microenvironment upregulated the production of IL‐12 in macrophages and reversed TAMs to classically activated macrophage phenotype. In contrast, treatment with recombinant Nodal (rNodal) decreased the expression of IL‐12 in murine macrophages. Furthermore, rNodal promoted macrophage polarization to an alternatively activated macrophage‐like/TAM phenotype and modulated its function. These results suggest that Nodal may play an important role in macrophage polarization and downregulation of IL‐12. The rescued antitumor function of TAMs via the inhibition of Nodal expression could be a new therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment.
TCR‐engineered T cells: A model of inducible TCR expression to dissect the interrelationship between two TCRs
Authors: Reuß Simone , Sebestyén Zsolt , Heinz Niels , Loew Rainer , Baum Christopher , Debets Reno , Uckert Wolfgang
Published: October 2013

TCR gene modified T cells for adoptive therapy simultaneously express the Tg TCR and the endogenous TCR, which might lead to mispaired TCRs with harmful unknown specificity and to a reduced function of TCR‐Tg T cells. We generated dual TCR T cells in two settings in which either TCR was constitutively expressed by a retroviral promoter while the second TCR expression was regulable by a Tet‐on system. Constitutively expressed TCR molecules were reduced on the cell surface depending on the induced TCR expression leading to strongly hampered function. Besides that, using fluorescence resonance energy transfer we detected mispaired TCR dimers and different pairing behaviors of individual TCR chains with a mutual influence on TCR chain expression. The loss of function and mispairing could not be avoided by changing the TCR expression level or by introduction of an additional cysteine bridge. However, in polyclonal T cells, optimized TCR formats (cysteineization, codon optimization) enhanced correct pairing and function. We conclude from our data that (i) the level of mispairing depends on the individual TCRs and is not reduced by increasing the level of one TCR, and (ii) modifications (cysteineization, codon optimization) improve correct pairing but do not completely exclude mispairing (cysteineization).
Co‐expression of HLA‐B7 and HLA‐B27 alleles is associated with B7‐restricted immunodominant responses following influenza infection
Authors: Akram Ali , Inman Robert D.
Published: October 2013

It is recognized that host response following viral infection is characterized by immunodominance, but deciphering the different factors contributing to immunodominance has proved a challenge due to concurrent expression of multiple MHC class I alleles. To address this, we generated H2‐K−/−/D−/− double‐knockout transgenic mice expressing either one or two human MHC‐I alleles. We hypothesized that co‐expression of different allele combinations figures critically in immunodominance and examined this in influenza‐infected, double Tg MHC‐I mice. In A2/B7 or A2/B27 mice, using ELISpot assays with the A2‐restricted matrix I.58–66, the B7‐restricted NP418–426 or the B27‐restricted NP383–391 influenza A (flu) epitopes, we observed the expected recognition of both peptides for both alleles. In contrast, in flu‐infected B7/B27 mice, a significantly reduced level of B27/NP383‐restricted CTL response was detected while there was no change in the B7/NP418‐restricted CTL response. Flu‐specific tetramer studies revealed a partial deletion of Vβ8.1+ NP383/B27‐restricted CD8+ T cells, and a diminished Vβ12+ CD8+ T‐cell expansion in B7/B27 Tg mice. Using HLA Tg chimeric mice, we confirmed these findings. These findings shed light on the immune consequences of co‐dominant expression of MHC‐I alleles for host immune response to pathogens.
Human plasma cells express granzyme B
Authors: Xu Wei , Narayanan Priya , Kang Ning , Clayton Sandra , Ohne Yoichiro , Shi Peiqing , Herve Marie‐Cecile , Balderas Robert , Picard Capucine , Casanova Jean‐Laurent , Gorvel Jean‐Pierre , Oh Sangkon , Pascual Virginia , Banchereau Jacques
Published: October 2013

While studying the plasma cell (PC) compartment in human tonsils, we identified that immunoglobulin kappa or lambda chain‐expressing PCs are the main cells expressing granzyme B (GrzB). In vitro studies revealed that activated B cells differentiated into GrzB‐expressing PCs when co‐cultured with macrophages and follicular helper T cells. This effect could be reproduced on combined stimulation of IL‐15 (produced by macrophages) and IL‐21 (produced by T follicular helper cells) in a STAT3‐dependent manner. Whereas IL‐21 triggers the transcription of mRNA of GrzB, IL‐15 synergizes the translation of GrzB proteins. The precise role of GrzB in PC biology remains to be understood and studies in mice will not help as their PCs do not express GrzB.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure, DNA Binding, Antibacterial, and Cytotoxic Activities of Two Chiral Copper(II) Complexes
Authors: Fei Bao‐Li , Li Wen , Xu Wu‐Shuang , Long Jian‐Ying , Liu Qing‐Bo , Sun Wei‐Yin , Anson Christopher E. , Powell Annie K.
Published: October 2013

Two chiral copper(II) complexes [Cu(L)2Cl]Cl (1) and [Cu(L)2Br]Br (2) {L = N‐[(pyridin‐2‐ylmethylene)imino]dehydroabietylamine} have been synthesized and fully characterized. The coordination geometry of the CuII ions in 1 and 2 can be described as an intermediate between square‐pyramidal and trigonal‐bipyramidal. DNA binding studies suggest that the complexes interact with salmon‐sperm DNA through intercalation, and 2 exhibits a higher binding affinity. The new complexes were screened for their antibacterial and cytotoxic ability. They have similar cytotoxic activity and they represent the first rosin‐derivative‐based simple Schiff base complexes with strong anticancer potential.
Influence of the Phosphonate Ligand on the Structure of Phosphonate‐Substituted Titanium Oxo Clusters
Authors: Czakler Matthias , Artner Christine , Schubert Ulrich
Published: October 2013

The reaction of titanium isopropoxide, Ti(OiPr)4, with bis(trimethylsilyl) phosphonates has led to structures containingTi3O units [= Ti3(μ3‐O)(μ2‐OiPr)3(OiPr)3(O3PR)3] as the basic structural motif. This unit can be capped by a single Ti(OiPr)2L group (L = neutral ligand) through phosphonate bridges (for R = xylyl), or sandwich‐like structures can be formed with two Ti3O units bonded to a central Ti atom (for R = CH2CH2CH2Cl or benzyl). For R = allyl or ethyl, dimeric clusters were formed in which two Ti4 cluster units are bridged by isopropyl phosphonate ligands. For comparison, Ti(OiPr)4 was also treated with allylphosphonic acid to yield a Ti4 cluster. The reaction of Ti(OiPr)4 with the bulky bis(trimethylsilyl) 2‐naphthylmethyphosphonate did not yield an oxo cluster but instead the phosphonate‐substituted titanium alkoxide Ti4(OiPr)8(O3PCH2naphthyl)4.
Noncentrosymmetric Cubic CsCdBO3 with Bichromophore
Authors: Yu Hongwei , Wu Hongping , Pan Shilie , Zhang Bingbing , Wen Ming , Yang Zhihua , Li Hongyi , Jiang Xiangzhan
Published: October 2013

The noncentrosymmetric borate CsCdBO3 was synthesized by a solid‐state reaction, and its structure was determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The crystal structure is a complicated three‐dimensional network composed of CdO6 octahedra, CsO6 octahedra, and BO3 triangles. Interestingly, CsCdBO3 crystallizes in the cubic space group P213, which is quite rare for borate‐containing anisotropic polarized planar BO3 groups. Furthermore, the IR spectrum confirms the presence of BO3 groups. Second harmonic generation (SHG) measurements on powder samples reveal that the SHG response of CsCdBO3 is approximately 0.5 × KDP (KH2PO4). Thermal analysis and UV/Vis/NIR diffuse reflectance spectroscopy data, as well as electronic band structure calculations, are also reported.
Influence of ingredients that reduce oil absorption during immersion frying of battered and breaded foods
Authors: Brannan Robert G. , Mah Eunice , Schott Maria , Yuan Simin , Casher Katherine L. , Myers Andrew , Herrick Christopher
Published: October 2013

Many popular foods are prepared by battering and breading a substrate followed by deep‐fat frying, also known as immersion frying. However, these foods are high in calories and fat. This has led to research on the reduction of fat absorption during immersion frying. This paper focuses on the use of functional ingredients, usually proteins or non‐protein hydrocolloids, which can be incorporated into the batter and/or breading, or applied as a post‐breading dip to retard oil absorption. Protein ingredients from both animal and plant sources have been applied as films or in aqueous solutions to battered and breaded foods. Non‐protein hydrocolloids such as cellulose derivatives, gums, calcium reactive pectins, and other plant‐based flours have also been utilized. Due to the applied nature of the process and the potential economic impact, many of the ingredients and strategies presented here have been culled from the patent literature. This paper also describes three theories of oil absorption into fried foods; the water‐replacement mechanism, the cooling‐phase effect, and the surfactant theory, and reviews research that reports the impact of oil absorption on the nutritional and textural properties of the battered and breaded foods.
Organic plant ingredients in the diet of Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss): Impact on fish muscle composition and oxidative stability
Authors: Baron Caroline P. , Svendsen Gry Hougaard , Lund Ivar , Jokumsen Alfred , Nielsen Henrik Hauch , Jacobsen Charlotte
Published: October 2013

Rainbow trout were fed diets containing either fish meal and fish oil (FM‐FO) (control) or diets in which 40% of the fishmeal was substituted with a mixture of ingredients grown organically including plant protein concentrate (PP) in combination with either fish oil (FO) as lipid source, or one of the following organic plant oils; rapeseed (RO), linseed/flaxseed (LO), grape seed (GO), or sunflower (SO). The impact of these substitutions was investigated by measuring fish muscle fatty acid profile as well as oxidative and color stability of the fillet during 14 days ice storage. The inclusion of plant protein concentrate did not affect the fatty acid profile significantly but resulted in a slightly improved oxidative stability of the fish fillets as compared to the control diet. The fatty acid profile of the oil used was in general well reflected in the fish muscle fatty acid profile. Fish fed PP‐RO were the most oxidatively stable during ice storage but the omega‐3 fatty acid content was reduced by 40% compared to fish fed the FM‐FO control diet. Replacing FO by LO was not suitable as it induced oxidation and the fillet contained 40–50% less of long chain omega‐3 fatty acids.

Practical applications: Replacing marine ingredient by organic plant ones in the diet of rainbow trout is feasible but it impacts the fish fatty acid profile of the fish muscle and its oxidative stability. Plant protein improved the oxidative stability of the fillet during ice storage. Moreover, replacement of fish oil with more saturated plant oils in the diet of trout lead to an increased oxidative stability of the fillet, but at the same time reduced the level of omega‐3 fatty acids in the fish muscle. Linseed oil resulted in a more favorable omega‐3 content (ALA) than the other plant oils but resulted in highly unstable fish muscle with respect to oxidation. Substitution of fish ingredients in the fish diet significantly influenced the nutritional value of the fish fillet, as it resulted in significant less EPA and DHA in the muscle.
Synthesis, surface and biological properties of sodium N‐acyl isoleucines
Authors: Sreenu Madhumanchi , Rao Bhamidipati V. S. K. , Prasad Rachapudi Badari Narayana , Sujitha Pombala , Chityala Ganesh Kumar
Published: October 2013

Mixture of fatty acids obtained from coconut, palm kernel, palm, jatropha, karanja, Sterculia foetida, and high oleic sunflower oils were used for the preparation of sodium N‐acyl isoleucines (NaNAIle) via Schotten–Baumann reaction except castor oil which was prepared in thermal condensation in good yields. The products were characterized by chromatographic and spectral techniques. Surface active properties such as surface tension, wetting, foaming characteristics, emulsion stability, calcium tolerance, and micellization properties were evaluated for all the synthesized products. The results showed that all the products exhibited superior surface active properties like critical micelle concentration (CMC) and emulsion stability when compared to the commercial surfactant, sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS). The NaNAIle also exhibited promising cytotoxicity against human cancer cell lines except 3 and 5. 5, 6, and 8 showed antimicrobial activity against Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria. 1, 2, 7, and 8 exhibited good antioxidant properties.
Recent Progress in Phosphorescent Organic Light‐Emitting Devices
Authors: Sasabe Hisahiro , Kido Junji
Published: October 2013

Organic light‐emitting devices (OLEDs) are solid‐state light‐emitting devices based on organic semiconductors. Recent rapid advances in materials chemistry have enabled white OLEDs to be used for general lighting and large‐area flat panel display. White OLED panel efficacy has reached 90 lm W–1, and a tandem white OLED panel has achieved a lifetime of over 100000 h at 1000 cd m–2. LG is set to launch a 55″ OLED TV in 2013, and OLEDs will be expected to make bigger breakthroughs. Although white OLED panels show superior performance, there is still much room (nearly 160 lm W–1) for improvement, in view of the theoretical limit of 248 lm W–1. To reach this objective, OLEDs need to achieve three goals: (1) high internal quantum efficiency, (2) low operation voltage, and (3) high light‐outcoupling efficiency at the same time. For organic chemists creating new organic semiconductors, issues (1) and (2) are particularly important because these relate to materials chemistry. Here we review recent developments in phosphorescent OLED technology, especially from materials chemistry.
N‐Thiocarbonyl Iminosugars: Synthesis and Evaluation of Castanospermine Analogues Bearing Oxazole‐2(3H)‐thione Moieties
Authors: Silva Sandrina , Sánchez‐Fernández Elena M. , Ortiz Mellet Carmen , Tatibouët Arnaud , Pilar Rauter Amélia , Rollin Patrick
Published: October 2013

A straightforward and efficient synthetic route to a new class of glycosidase inhibitors containing an oxazole‐2(3H)‐thione moiety has been devised. The approach involves the formation of α‐hydroxy ketones, which, after condensation with thiocyanic acid, leads to the formation of the heterocycle. By exploiting the ability of the nitrogen atom of oxazoline‐2‐thione precursors to act as nucleophiles in intramolecular addition, castanospermine analogues could be readily prepared in good overall yields. Glycosidase inhibitory activity compared to oxazolidinethione analogues showed a strong influence of the double bond, for example with pseudoiminosugar 19, by suppressing α‐glucosidase inhibition and introducing, to a moderate level, β‐glucosidase inhibitory activity. Reactivities showed the propensity of oxazole‐2(3H)‐thiones – especially when fused on carbohydrate frames – to convert into 1,3‐oxazolidine‐2‐thione aminals through nucleophilic addition to the double bond, leading to unexpected tricyclic structure 21.