bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiyear impacts of partial throughfall exclusion on Buxus sempervirens in a Mediterranean forest
Authors: Rodríguez-Calcerrada J. , Letts M. , Rolo V. , Roset S. , Rambal S.
Published: July 2013

Aim of study: We examined the impact of sustained partial throughfall exclusion on the functional performance of Buxus sempervirens L. in the understory of a Mediterranean evergreen forest. We further considered whether any impacts of throughfall exclusion were affected by light availability.Area of study: The study was conducted in the south of France.Material and methods: Several leaf physiological and branch structural traits were measured along a light gradient after seven years from the onset of a throughfall exclusion experiment (TEE). The results were analysed along with annual growth and survival data.Main results: Plant mortality was nil in both the throughfall exclusion and control treatments. Stem diameter growth was reduced by 39% in plants subjected to throughfall exclusion, but this difference was only significant at the p = 0.10 significance level. Leaf physiology remained unaffected by the TEE, but small changes were evident in branch structural traits in high light microsites following throughfall exclusion; branches had lower wood density in the TEE plot, and more biomass was partitioned to leaves relative to stems.Research highlights: These changes do not seem to reflect an acclimatory response that would enhance drought tolerance. Instead, we suggest that these drought effects might exacerbate vulnerability to xylem cavitation in the more open microsites. Reduced growth and increased vulnerability to drought may indicate an incipient decline in plant vitality following TEE. The extension of observations to the whole-plant level and longer periods will elucidate the consequences of these observations for plant fitness, and permit verification of the positive effect of shade on Buxus sempervirens under increased drought.Key words: common box; drought susceptibility; shade; rainfall manipulation; abiotic stress; long-term study.
Effects of Two Hypocaloric Diets Supplemented With White Lupine or Oats on Lipid Peroxidation, Reverse Cholesterol Transport and Paraoxonase Activity in Obese Rat
Authors: Chabane Fatima Z. , Louala Sabrine , Boukhari Nabila , Besbes Mounia , Taleb-Senouci Douja , Lamri-Senhadji Myriem Y.
Published: July 2013

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of two hypocaloric diets supplemented with legume or cereal on hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, serum HDL2 and HDL3 composition, lipid peroxidation, and lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) and paraoxonase (PON1) activities in obese rats. Obesity was induced by feeding a high-fat-diet during 3 months. At 400 ± 20 g, the obese rats were divided into three groups (n = 8): two groups were submitted for 28 days to a caloric restriction (CR) at 0.9 MJ supplemented with lupine (CR–Lupine group) or oats (CR–Oats group). The third group was fed a caloric restricted diet without supplementation (CR group). At day 28, glycemia was lower (-21%) in the CR–Oats than the CR group. CR–Oats diet reduced total cholesterol content (-13%) when compared to lupine supplementation. In contrast, CR–Lupine diet decreased serum triacylglycerols by 22% and 15% respectively versus CR–Oats and CR diets. Lipoproteins lipid peroxidation was significantly lower in CR–Lupine and CR–Oats when compared to the CR diet. Serum PON1 activity was increased in CR–Lupine (+88%) and CR–Oats (+82%) groups compared to CR group. Furthermore, LCAT activity was enhanced in CR– Lupine (+23% and +26%, respectively) versus CR and CR–Oats groups. In obese rats, caloric restriction supplemented with lupine compared to oats supplementation has beneficial effect on hypertriglyceridemia and improves reverse cholesterol transport by enhancing LCAT activity leading to anti–atherogenic effects. This effect is partially reinforced by the high HDL PON1 activity which protects it from oxidation.
Les anthropologues au four et au moulin de l’interdisciplinarité et de la problématique du développement en Afrique
Authors: Diop Moustapha
Published: July 2013

L’interdisciplinarité existe aujourd’hui, mais davantage dans le discours proclamé que dans sa mise en oeuvre effective. L’observation montre que les scientifiques ou les techniciens se cachent souvent derrière le dogmatisme disciplinaire pour empêcher le rapprochement des compétences interdisciplinaires. La réalité fait pourtant apparaître que l’anthropologie n’appartient pas aux anthropologues, pas plus que les autres disciplines n’appartiennent à ceux qui s’en réclament ou s’identifient totalement. Cette contribution s’intéresse moins à la médiation entre disciplines qu’au dialogue entre scientifiques, notamment autour d’objets complexes, en particulier la problématique foncière au coeur des enjeux du développement en Afrique. La réflexion est dès lors recentrée sur la question de transformation des sociétés africaines en mutation profonde avec la montée en puissance de la problématique foncière, qui réapparaît, dans le processus du développement, comme un objet scientifique complexe dépassant largement la préoccupation d’une seule discipline ou d’un seul continent. Au-delà de la nécessité du dialogue entre scientifiques, le texte s’intéresse également au problème de la mise en place d’un modèle de structure d’organisation et de fonctionnement qui favoriserait l’articulation des pôles de compétences scientifiques et techniques susceptibles de répondre efficacement à la problématique foncière en Afrique. Dans cette préoccupation, l’organisation des pôles de compétences, en termes pathologiques au niveau des Centres hospitaliers universitaires (CHU) en France, pourrait être envisagée comme un modèle de structuration interdisciplinaire pertinent pour la gestion foncière et des ressources naturelles en Afrique.
L’interdisciplinarité comme indiscipline
Authors: Capitant Sylvie
Published: July 2013

La pratique interdisciplinaire est une pratique quotidienne du chercheur qui le conduit à cheminer par des contre-allées, à prendre de la distance par rapport à son corpus disciplinaire de référence et à interroger la fragilité des frontières. Cela demande parfois de l’indiscipline et suscite des moments de frilosité scientifique. Cet article soutient ce cheminement indiscipliné en revenant sur trois actes d’indisciplinarité menés au cours d’une recherche sur les médias au Burkina Faso et qui se sont avérés d’une grande portée : remise en cause de la relégation à la périphérie de la sociologie de la communication de l’étude des médias en Afrique ; adoption d’une méthode anthropologique et recours à la sociolinguistique pour faire parler les matériaux de recherche.
Les paradoxes du patrimoine
Authors: Leblon Anaïs
Published: July 2013

L’auteure interroge les relations conflictuelles et la dialectique entre des définitions institutionnelles et des usages locaux du patrimoine à partir de l’étude ethnographique de l’« espace culturel du yaaral et du degal », festivités de transhumance peules du delta intérieur du Niger au Mali déclarées « chefs-d’oeuvre du patrimoine oral et immatériel de l’Humanité par l’UNESCO » en novembre 2005, et inscrites sur à la Liste représentative du patrimoine culturel immatériel de l’humanité par l’UNESCO en 2008. C’est par une variation des jeux d’échelles, une étude des paradoxes, et des enjeux de pouvoir que ces fêtes sont étudiées. L’article présente d’abord la construction patrimoniale de l’« espace culturel du yaaral et du degal » par la Direction Nationale du Patrimoine Culturel (DNPC) au regard des définitions internationales du patrimoine culturel immatériel promues par l’UNESCO et de la politique culturelle malienne. Il propose ensuite une définition endogène de la patrimonialisation et de ses présentations publiques à la lumière d’un exemple sur les compétitions pastorales. Ces dernières illustrent la manière dont des éléments culturels peuvent se trouver pris dans un double processus de création patrimoniale et de transmission d’un idéal pastoral recréé. Pour finir, l’étude d’un conflit pour le poste de chef des éleveurs pose la question de la gestion patrimoniale des enjeux pastoraux locaux. La lecture patrimoniale de ces fêtes renvoie alors à une analyse du champ politique.
Continuidad de los textos: Metaficción en un cuento de Cortázar y en su traducción sueca
Authors: Alvstad Cecilia , Johnsen åse
Published: July 2013

Le présent article contient une analyse de la traduction suédoise de la nouvelle Continuidad de los parques écrite par l’auteur argentin Julio Cortázar et traduite en suédois par Jan Sjögren. Cette nouvelle est un excellent exemple de la métafiction, car elle joue sur la relation entre un lecteur imaginé et le lecteur réel. À l’aide d’une illusion esthétique, Cortázar crée un suspense laissant ses lecteurs aux prises avec des questions sans réponse tout au long de la lecture. L’analyse montre que le suspense est affaibli et fonctionne différemment dans la version suédoise de l’histoire. En changeant le titre, ainsi que d’autres parties mineures, mais néanmoins significatives, du texte, le traducteur transfère sa propre interprétation du texte dans la traduction suédoise. La structure narrative est altérée et, par conséquent, le lecteur de la version suédoise ne peut accéder aux multiples interprétations auxquelles le texte, dans la version originale espagnole de Cortázar, donne accès.
Occupational Integration Training in Translation
Authors: Torres-Hostench Olga
Published: July 2013

This article presents the research carried out at the Faculty of Translation and Interpreting at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (Spain) to evaluate how prepared its postgraduates were for employment. First, students were given an initial test to evaluate their competences related to knowledge, skills and attitudes with regard to occupational integration. Next, an improvement program was designed accordingly, implemented and evaluated. Finally, a posttest was given and we compared the results of the pretest and the posttest. The research suggested that there was a need to incorporate into master’s and postgraduate courses not only content on knowledge of the translation market and the profession but also content to help students develop specific skills and attitudes for finding a job in translation. This research may interest translation course designers and lecturers, who may want to consider including employment programs in translation courses.
Conservative Approach to Tardive Dyskinesia–Induced Neck and Upper Back Pain
Authors: Reifsnyder Jeremy W. , Tettambel Melicien A.
Published: July 2013

The management of schizophrenia typically involves the use of antipsychotics (neuroleptics). Use of such medications, however, can result in tardive dyskinesia, or the involuntary contracture of muscles, and associated symptomatic somatic dysfunction. The authors present a case of a 29-year-old woman who presented to a family medicine clinic for ongoing management of schizophrenia with noticeable tardive dyskinesia and complaints of neck and upper back pain. Conventional management of tardive dyskinesia involves either a change in or reduction of the offending antipsychotic. In the present case, the patient received osteopathic manipulative treatment in addition to conventional care for the management of her neck and upper back pain. Although not curative, osteopathic manipulative treatment can provide palliative relief for patients with tardive dyskinesia.
Testosterone replacement therapy to improve secondary sexual characteristics and body composition without adverse behavioral problems in adult male patients with Prader–Willi syndrome: An observational study
Authors: Kido Yasuhiro , Sakazume Satoru , Abe Yoshiko , Oto Yuji , Itabashi Hisashi , Shiraishi Masahisa , Yoshino Atsunori , Tanaka Yuriko , Obata Kazuo , Murakami Nobuyuki , Nagai Toshiro
Published: July 2013

Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS), a complex genetic disorder, arises from suppressed expression of paternally inherited imprinted genes on chromosome 15q11‐q13. Characteristics include short stature, intellectual disability, behavioral problems, hypogonadism, obesity, and reduced bone and muscle mass. Testosterone replacement (TR) remains controversial due to concerns regarding behavioral problems. To evaluate the effects of TR on secondary sexual characteristics, body composition, and behavior in adult males with PWS, 22 male PWS patients over the age of 16 with behavioral scores of less than grade 4 on the Modified Overt Aggression Scale (MOAS) underwent monthly intramuscular TR (125 mg). Pubertal change, body composition and behavior were evaluated before and after 24 months of therapy. Serum testosterone, LH, and FSH did not change. Increased pubic hair was observed in 16 of 22 patients (72.7%). Percent body fat decreased from 47.55 ± 2.06% to 39.75 ± 1.60% (n = 18) (P = 0.018). Bone mineral density increased from 0.8505 ± 0.0426 g/cm2 to 0.9035 ± 0.0465 g/cm2 (n = 18) (P = 0.036), and lean body mass increased from 18093.4 ± 863.0 g to 20312.1 ± 1027.2 g (n = 18) (P = 0.009). The MOAS was unchanged, from 4.5 ± 2.0 at the beginning of the study to 3.0 ± 1.7 at the end of study indicating no increase in aggression. No behavioral problems were observed. Based on this pilot study, TR with 125 mg monthly is a potentially safe and useful intervention for adult males with PWS. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Snyder–Robinson syndrome: A novel nonsense mutation in spermine synthase and expansion of the phenotype
Authors: Peron Angela , Spaccini Luigina , Norris Joy , Bova Stefania M. , Selicorni Angelo , Weber Giovanna , Wood Tim , Schwartz Charles E. , Mastrangelo Massimo
Published: July 2013

Snyder–Robinson syndrome is a rare form of X‐linked intellectual disability caused by mutations in the spermine synthase (SMS) gene, and characterized by intellectual disability, thin habitus with diminished muscle mass, osteoporosis, kyphoscoliosis, facial dysmorphism (asymmetry, full lower lip), long great toes, and nasal or dysarthric speech. Physical signs seem to evolve from childhood to adulthood. We describe the first Italian patient with Snyder–Robinson syndrome and a novel nonsense mutation in SMS (c.200G>A; p.G67X). Apart from the typical features of the syndrome, the index patient presented with an ectopic right kidney and epilepsy from the first year of age that was characterized by focal motor seizures and negative myoclonus. The clinical and molecular evaluation of this family and the review of the literature expand the phenotype of Snyder–Robinson syndrome to include myoclonic or myoclonic‐like seizures (starting even in the first years of life) and renal abnormalities in affected males. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Using grape pulp as a new alternative biosorbent for removal of a model basic dye
Authors: Sayğılı Hasan , Akkaya Sayğılı Gülbahar , Güzel Fuat
Published: July 2013

In the present study, grape pulp (GP), an agricultural waste available in large quantity in Turkey, was utilized as novel low‐cost biosorbent to remove model basic dye [methylene blue (MB)] from aqueous solution by biosorption. The effects of various parameters including solution pH, biosorbent dosage, initial dye concentration, contact time, temperature and ionic strength on the biosorption process were investigated. The biosorption kinetic data were modeled using the pseudo‐first‐order, pseudo‐second‐order and intraparticle diffusion kinetic equations. Batch kinetic experiments showed that the biosorption fitted the pseudo‐first‐order kinetic model well with correlation coefficients greater than 0.98 in the temperature range 20–60 °C. The equilibrium biosorption data were analyzed by Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin isotherm models. The results indicated that the Langmuir model provided the best correlation with the experimental data. The maximum biosorption capacities of GP for MB determined with the Langmuir model (qm) were 78.74, 116.28 and 153.85 mg g−1 at temperatures of 20, 40 and 60 °C, respectively. The calculated thermodynamic parameters, namely, ΔG0 (−5.33 to −7.17 kJ/mol), ΔH0 (8.09 kJ/mol) and ΔS0 (45.75 kJ/mol K), showed that the biosorption of MB on GP was spontaneous and endothermic under examined conditions. Results indicate that GP could be an alternative for more costly adsorbents used for MB removal. © 2013 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fabrication and characterization of electrospun sulfonated poly(phthalazinone ether ketone) mats as potential matrix of reinforced proton exchange membranes
Authors: Hongwei Zhang , Fei Yu , Danying Zuo
Published: July 2013

In this paper, the sulfonated poly(phthalazinone ether ketone) (SPPEK) nanofibers with low sulfonation degree are fabricated by electrospinning for the first time. The optimized concentration of SPPEK for electrospinning is 0.16 g ml−1 and the suitable solvent is the mixture of DMAc and NMP. The resulting SPPEK nanofibers show smooth surfaces and uniform diameters of about 50 nm. Proton conductivities of the SPPEK mat and membrane are tested and compared. The result indicates that the proton conductivity of the SPPEK mat is almost five times as high as that of the SPPEK membrane because of the formation of long‐range proton pathways on the surfaces of SPPEK nanofibers. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 4581–4586, 2013
The polymer free volume as a controlling factor for drug release from poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) microspheres
Authors: Scheler Stefan
Published: July 2013

Drug release from poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA) microspheres is strongly determined by the pore structure of the particles. This study examines how swelling‐induced pore constriction delays the drug release and by which factors this process is controlled. Combination of different porosimetric and pycnometric methods enabled insight into the submicroscopic range of the pore structure and revealed that remarkably the polymer free volume plays a crucial role in drug release from PLGA microspheres. Surprisingly, the latter was shown to be inversely correlated to the degree of diffusional drug release. This can be explained by a swelling‐induced constriction of the macroporous channel system in the microspheres which is related to the availability of free volume. The hole free volume was shown to be well controllable by the manufacturing conditions. Thus, the study deepens comprehension of the mechanism of drug release from biodegradable microparticles and offers an effective approach for controlling the release behavior. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39740.
Developmental imaging: The avian embryo hatches to the challenge
Authors: Kulesa Paul M. , McKinney Mary C. , McLennan Rebecca
Published: July 2013

The avian embryo provides a multifaceted model to study developmental mechanisms because of its accessibility to microsurgery, fluorescence cell labeling, in vivo imaging, and molecular manipulation. Early two‐dimensional planar growth of the avian embryo mimics human development and provides unique access to complex cell migration patterns using light microscopy. Later developmental events continue to permit access to both light and other imaging modalities, making the avian embryo an excellent model for developmental imaging. For example, significant insights into cell and tissue behaviors within the primitive streak, craniofacial region, and cardiovascular and peripheral nervous systems have come from avian embryo studies. In this review, we provide an update to recent advances in embryo and tissue slice culture and imaging, fluorescence cell labeling, and gene profiling. We focus on how technical advances in the chick and quail provide a clearer understanding of how embryonic cell dynamics are beautifully choreographed in space and time to sculpt cells into functioning structures. We summarize how these technical advances help us to better understand basic developmental mechanisms that may lead to clinical research into human birth defects and tissue repair. Birth Defects Research (Part C) 99:121–133, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Imaging techniques for visualizing and phenotyping congenital heart defects in murine models
Authors: Liu Xiaoqin , Tobita Kimimasa , Francis Richard J.B. , Lo Cecilia W.
Published: July 2013

Mouse model is ideal for investigating the genetic and developmental etiology of congenital heart disease. However, cardiovascular phenotyping for the precise diagnosis of structural heart defects in mice remain challenging. With rapid advances in imaging techniques, there are now high throughput phenotyping tools available for the diagnosis of structural heart defects. In this review, we discuss the efficacy of four different imaging modalities for congenital heart disease diagnosis in fetal/neonatal mice, including noninvasive fetal echocardiography, micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT), micro‐magnetic resonance imaging (micro‐MRI), and episcopic fluorescence image capture (EFIC) histopathology. The experience we have gained in the use of these imaging modalities in a large‐scale mouse mutagenesis screen have validated their efficacy for congenital heart defect diagnosis in the tiny hearts of fetal and newborn mice. These cutting edge phenotyping tools will be invaluable for furthering our understanding of the developmental etiology of congenital heart disease. Birth Defects Research (Part C) 99:93–105, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Automated formation of multicomponent‐encapuslating vesosomes using continuous flow microcentrifugation
Authors: Jang Huisoo , Hu Peichi C. , Jung Sungho , Kim Won Young , Kim Sun Min , Malmstadt Noah , Jeon Tae‐Joon
Published: July 2013

Vesosomes – hierarchical assemblies consisting of membrane‐bound vesicles of various scales – are potentially powerful models of cellular compartmentalization. Current methods of vesosome fabrication are labor intensive, and offer little control over the size and uniformity of the final product. In this article, we report the development of an automated vesosome formation platform using a microfluidic device and a continuous flow microcentrifuge. In the microfluidic device, water‐in‐oil droplets containing nanoscale vesicles in the water phase were formed using T‐junction geometry, in which a lipid monolayer is formed at the oil/water interface. These water‐in‐oil droplets were then immediately transferred to the continuous flow microcentrifuge. When a water‐in‐oil droplet passed through a second lipid monolayer formed in the continuous flow microcentrifuge, a bilayer‐encapsulated vesosome was created, which contained all of the contents of the aqueous phase encapsulated within the vesosome. Encapsulation of nanoscale liposomes within the outer vesosome membrane was confirmed by fluorescence microscopy. Laser diffraction analysis showed that the vesosomes we fabricated were uniform (coefficient of variation of 0.029). The yield of the continuous flow microcentrifuge is high, with over 60% of impinging water droplets being converted to vesosomes. Our system provides a fully automatable route for the generation of vesosomes encapsulating arbitrary contents. The method employed in this work is simple and can be readily applied to a variety of systems, providing a facile platform for fabricating multicomponent carriers and model cells.
Guided reconstitution of membrane protein fragments
Authors: Cohen Leah S. , Arshava Boris , Kauffman Sarah , Mathew Elizabeth , Fracchiolla Katrina E. , Ding Fa‐Xiang , Dumont Mark E. , Becker Jeffrey M. , Naider Fred
Published: July 2013

Structural analysis by NMR of G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) has proven to be extremely challenging. To reduce the number of peaks in the NMR spectra by segmentally labeling a GPCR, we have developed a Guided Reconstitution method that includes the use of charged residues and Cys activation to drive heterodimeric disulfide bond formation. Three different cysteine‐activating reagents: 5‐5′‐dithiobis(2‐nitrobenzoic acid) [DTNB], 2,2′‐dithiobis(5‐nitropyridine) [DTNP], and 4,4′‐dipyridyl disulfide [4‐PDS] were analyzed to determine their efficiency in heterodimer formation at different pHs. Short peptides representing the N‐terminal (NT) and C‐terminal (CT) regions of the first extracellular loop (EL1) of Ste2p, the Saccharomyces cerevisiae alpha‐factor mating receptor, were activated using these reagents and the efficiencies of activation and rates of heterodimerization were analyzed. Activation of NT peptides with DTNP and 4‐PDS resulted in about 60% yield, but heterodimerization was rapid and nearly quantitative. Double transmembrane domain protein fragments were biosynthesized and used in Guided Reconstitution reactions. A 102‐residue fragment, 2TM‐tail [Ste2p(G31‐I120C)], was heterodimerized with CT‐EL1‐tailDTNP at pH 4.6 with a yield of ∼75%. A 132‐residue fragment, 2TMlong‐tail [Ste2p(M1‐I120C)], was expressed in both unlabeled and 15N‐labeled forms and used with a peptide comprising the third transmembrane domain, to generate a 180‐residue segmentally labeled 3TM protein that was found to be segmentally labeled using [15N,1H]‐HSQC analysis. Our data indicate that the Guided Reconstitution method would be applicable to the segmental labeling of a membrane protein with 3 transmembrane domains and may prove useful in the preparation of an intact reconstituted GPCR for use in biophysical analysis and structure determination. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 102: 16–29, 2014.
Design, synthesis, and characterization of cyclic analogues of the iron regulatory peptide hormone hepcidin
Authors: Clark Richard J. , Preza Gloria C. , Tan Chia Chia , van Dijk Johannes W. A. , Fung Eileen , Nemeth Elizabeta , Ganz Tomas , Craik David J.
Published: July 2013

The peptide hormone hepcidin is a key regulator of iron homeostasis in vertebrates. Hepcidin acts by binding to ferroportin, the sole known iron exporter, causing it to be internalized and thus trapping iron within the cell. Dysregulation of hepcidin concentrations is associated with a range of iron‐related diseases and hepcidin‐based therapeutics could be developed as candidate treatments for these diseases. However peptide‐based drugs, despite their many advantages, are often limited by their susceptibility to degradation within the body. Here we describe the design, synthesis and characterization of a series of backbone cyclized hepcidin analogues as an approach to produce stable hepcidin‐based leads. The cyclic peptides were shown by NMR to be structurally analogous to native hepcidin. Comparison of the stability of hepcidin with one of the cyclic analogues in human serum revealed that 77% of the cyclic peptide but only 18% of linear hepcidin remained after 24 h. The cyclic peptides were tested for their ability to induce internalization of GFP‐ferroportin in vitro but were all found to be inactive. This study demonstrates that backbone cyclization of disulfide‐rich peptides is a suitable approach for increasing stability. However, careful consideration of a number of factors, including location of important residues and their bioactive conformation, is required to generate biologically active lead molecules. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 100: 519–526, 2013.
Toxicity of Binary Mixtures of Enantiomers in Chiral Organophosphorus Insecticides: The Significance of Joint Effects Between Enantiomers
Authors: Zhang Quan , Wang Cui
Published: July 2013

The existence of enantiomer‐enriched mixtures of chiral pesticides in the environment is overwhelmingly positive. However, interactions between enantiomers have not been considered so far in risk assessments. Here, we chose three organophosphorus pesticides as representative chiral pesticides to investigate the possible interaction mode between each pair of enantiomers both in in vivo and in vitro. Data show that the enantiomers of methamidophos and profenofos have a simple additive effect,  whereas fensulfothion acts as an antagonist in AChE‐inhibition model. In contrast, enantiomers of methamidophos and fensulfothion had an additive effect in an acute toxicity test against Daphnia magna. A synergistic effect was observed in the joint toxicity of the profenofos enantiomers. The ability for enantiospecific biodegradation in the in vivo model contributed to the different interaction observed between the in vitro and in vivo models. Moreover, binding affinities were suspected as another reason for the different mode of action of mixture enantiomers. Our study recommends using a joint research model to treat chiral compounds in the real environment. Chirality 25:787–792, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Residence proximity to benzene release sites is associated with increased incidence of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Bulka Catherine , Nastoupil Loretta J. , McClellan William , Ambinder Alexander , Phillips Adrienne , Ward Kevin , Bayakly A. Rana , Switchenko Jeffrey M. , Waller Lance , Flowers Christopher R.
Published: July 2013

BACKGROUND

An increased risk of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) has been observed among individuals with occupational exposure to benzene, but the risk among those living near benzene release sites has not been well described.

METHODS

To investigate the spatial patterns of NHL incidence and the association between NHL incidence and distance to benzene release sites, the authors linked and geocoded data on benzene release sites in Georgia from 1988 to 1998 using the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Toxics Release Inventory (TRI), census tract level population statistics, and NHL incidence from the Georgia Comprehensive Cancer Registry (GCCR) from 1999 to 2008. Standardized incidence ratios were mapped by census tract, and a Poisson regression was performed on NHL and NHL subtype incidence data using the mean distance between the tract centroids and release sites as markers of exposure. Cluster analyses were conducted at the global, local, and focal levels.

RESULTS

Poisson regression indicated that, for every mile the average distance to benzene release sites increased, there was an expected 0.31% decrease in the risk of NHL. Similar results were observed for all NHL subtypes analyzed. Clusters of NHL were spatially associated with benzene release sites located in metropolitan areas, but not with release sites in other areas of the state.

CONCLUSIONS

NHL incidence was significantly higher in census tracts that were closer, on average, to benzene release sites. Additional studies are needed to examine spatial patterns of NHL incidence in other geographic regions and interactions between benzene and other exposures. Cancer 2013;119:3309–17. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
*Ir4+ ion‐free 12CaO·7Al2O3 single crystal grown by the CZ method
Authors: Sun Jinchao , Xu Yanling , Wang Rui , Liu Xinrong , Qu Yunfei
Published: July 2013

Ir4+ ion‐free 12CaO•7Al2O3 (C12A7) single crystals that were colorless and transparent have been grown by the CZ method under 0.5% oxygen‐containing nitrogen atmospheres for the first time. Powder X‐ray diffraction patterns and X‐ray single‐crystal diffraction were used to investigate the microstructure and quality of the C12A7 single crystal. The results show that the crystal was a C12A7 single crystal with tetragonal symmetry. The content of Ir4+ in the C12A7 single crystal was tested by ICP along with visible‐light transmittance. There was no Ir4+ in the C12A7 crystal grown in a 0.5% oxygen‐containing nitrogen atmosphere. Contents of Ir4+ in C12A7 crystal grown under 1% and 2% oxygen‐containing nitrogen atmospheres were 500 ppm and 400 ppm, respectively. The microstructure of C12A7 single crystal was determined by the content of oxygen in the growth process: the occurrence of bubbles and color increase when the content of oxygen is increased. Bubbles and color decrease when the oxygen content is lowered, bubbles disappeared and the color of C12A7 turns into transparent when the content of oxygen is 0.5%, the C12A7 phase decomposed when the content of oxygen was lower than 0.5%. So, the content of oxygen was responsible for the bubbles, color and cracking, and these also can be limited by controlling the content of oxygen.
Modeling geochemical reactions in wellbore cement: assessing pre‐injection integrity in a site for CO2 geological storage
Authors: Gherardi Fabrizio , Audigane Pascal
Published: July 2013

We present numerical simulations of isothermal reactive flow which might be induced by fluid migration at the caprock‐cement interface of an idealized abandoned well in an area considered for geological sequestration of CO2 in the Paris Basin, France. The calculations are aimed at identifying the mineralogical transformations likely occurring in the cement during the working life and after the closure of the wells present in the area, before the injection of CO2. Field evidence, experimental data, and previous numerical simulations have been used to constrain the initial geochemical conditions and the hydraulic parameters of the model. Significant mineralogical transformations in the cement (portlandite and katoite dissolution, CSH, ettringite, hydrotalcite precipitation), and minor modifications of the initial clayrock mineralogical assemblage (quartz, montmorillonite and illite dissolution, and precipitation of cement‐like phases) are predicted at the caprock‐cement interface. Associated with these mineralogical transformations, measurable variations in porosity are also computed. Although Portland cement is predicted to retain its integrity at some distance from the interface, calculations confirm the general view that material alteration at the interfaces is of major concern for the minimization of the risks of CO2 leakage from storage zones. Numerical outputs are sensitive with respect to poorly constrained physical and transport parameters, such as the spatial distribution of interconnected porosity in the cement. Different degrees of portlandite dissolution/carbonate precipitation can be predicted during in situ ageing under conditions similar to the Paris Basin, depending on the adopted gridding scheme, i.e. on the conceptualization of the cement as a homogeneous or dual‐porosity medium. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Bidirectional effects on interhemispheric resting‐state functional connectivity induced by excitatory and inhibitory repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation
Authors: Watanabe Takamitsu , Hanajima Ritsuko , Shirota Yuichiro , Ohminami Shinya , Tsutsumi Ryosuke , Terao Yasuo , Ugawa Yoshikazu , Hirose Satoshi , Miyashita Yasushi , Konishi Seiki , Kunimatsu Akira , Ohtomo Kuni
Published: July 2013

Several recent studies using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) have shown that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) affects not only brain activity in stimulated regions but also resting‐state functional connectivity (RSFC) between the stimulated region and other remote regions. However, these studies have only demonstrated an effect of either excitatory or inhibitory rTMS on RSFC, and have not clearly shown the bidirectional effects of both types of rTMS. Here, we addressed this issue by performing excitatory and inhibitory quadripulse TMS (QPS), which is considered to exert relatively large and long‐lasting effects on cortical excitability. We found that excitatory rTMS (QPS with interstimulus intervals of 5 ms) decreased interhemispheric RSFC between bilateral primary motor cortices, whereas inhibitory rTMS (QPS with interstimulus intervals of 50 ms) increased interhemispheric RSFC. The magnitude of these effects on RSFC was significantly correlated with that of rTMS‐induced effects on motor evoked potential from the corresponding muscle. The bidirectional effects of QPS were also observed in the stimulation over prefrontal and parietal association areas. These findings provide evidence for the robust bidirectional effects of excitatory and inhibitory rTMSs on RSFC, and raise a possibility that QPS can be a powerful tool to modulate RSFC. Hum Brain Mapp 35:1896–1905, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Long‐term results of surgical treatment for advanced oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Bastos de Souza Tânia Regina , Pinto Clovis Antonio Lopes , da Cunha Mercante Ana Maria , Nishimoto Ines Nobuko , Brasilino de Carvalho Marcos , Kowalski Luiz Paulo
Published: July 2013

Background

The purpose of this study was to review the oncologic and functional outcomes of patients with clinical stage III or IV squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the oropharynx submitted to tumor resection and neck dissection with or without postoperative radiotherapy (PORT).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of medical charts of 256 consecutive patients.

Results

Fatal postoperative complications were registered in 5 patients (1.9%). During follow‐up, there were 74 local recurrences (29%), 27 neck recurrences (10.5%), and 19 distant metastases (7.4%). The 5‐year overall survival (OS) was 43.0%. The Cox multivariate model identified pT3 and pT4, pN2 and pN3, and an intense lymphocytic infiltrate as independent prognostic markers for OS. The 5‐year disease‐free survival (DFS) rate was 54.5%.

Conclusion

Surgical treatment for oropharyngeal carcinoma can be performed with a low‐risk of postoperative mortality but with a risk of long‐term use of tracheostomy and feeding tubes. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 36: 1146–1154, 2014
Differences between sexes in dissociation and spontaneity of smile in facial paralysis reanimation with the masseteric nerve
Authors: Hontanilla Bernardo , Marre Diego
Published: July 2013

Background

A patient's sex is likely to play an important role in facial paralysis reanimation, with women being superior in terms of development of brain plasticity after reanimation. The purpose of this study was to compare the rate of movement dissociation and spontaneity of men versus women reanimated with gracilis transfer neurotized to the masseteric nerve.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective chart review of 27 patients who underwent facial paralysis reanimation with microvascular gracilis transplants neurotized to the ipsilateral masseteric nerve. Patients were classified by sex, comparing age at surgery, denervation time, and follow‐up, as well as the rates of movement dissociation and smile spontaneity.

Results

After reanimation with gracilis to masseteric nerve, movement dissociation and spontaneity were higher in women during the first year after onset of facial movement (p = .02 and p = .01, respectively).

Conclusion

After reanimation with masseteric nerve, women seem to be able to smile spontaneously and independently from teeth clenching earlier than men. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 36: 1176–1180, 2014
The biochemistry of the metabolic poison propionate 3‐nitronate and its conjugate acid, 3‐nitropropionate
Authors: Francis Kevin , Smitherman Crystal , Nishino Shirley F. , Spain Jim C. , Gadda Giovanni
Published: July 2013

3‐Nitropropionate (3‐NPA) is a nitro aliphatic compound found in numerous plants and fungi. The nitro compound exists in equilibrium with its conjugate base, propionate 3‐nitronate (P3N) and has a pKa approaching the physiological range of 9.1. Since 1920, more than 30 species of plant and fungi have been identified as producing 3‐NPA as a means of defense from herbivores. Glycoside products containing moieties of 3‐NPA found in parts of the plants most accessible to herbivores can be easily hydrolyzed to free 3‐NPA by bacterial enzymes in the gut of animals. In addition to providing a defense mechanism, the nitro compound is an intermediate in the nitrification process of leguminous plants. The synthesis of 3‐NPA in these plants and fungi is poorly understood. P3N, which readily forms from 3‐NPA at physiological pH, is a potent inhibitor of the key enzyme succinate dehydrogenase in the Krebs cycle and electron transport chain. Inhibition of succinate dehydrogenase in humans and livestock causes neurotoxicity and in some cases death. Several enzymes catalyze the oxidation of 3‐NPA or P3N; all contain a noncovalently bound flavin cofactor and are found in the organisms that produce 3‐NPA. With kcat/Km values of >106 M−1 s−1, nitronate monooxygenases can quickly and efficiently oxidize P3N to malonic semialdehyde as a means of protecting the organism from killing itself. Although it was discovered almost a century ago, the biochemistry and physiological role of 3‐NPA/P3N are just emerging. © 2013 IUBMB Life, 65(9):759–768, 2013
Primary Colors
Authors: BERREBY DAVID
Published: July 2013

Race in the Making: Cognition, Culture, and the Child's Construction of Human Kinds by Lawrence A. Hirschfeld
Nemo‐Like Kinase (NLK) Inhibits the Progression of NSCLC via Negatively Modulating WNT Signaling Pathway
Authors: Lv Liting , Wan Chunhua , Chen Buyou , Li Mei , Liu Yifei , Ni Tingting , Yang Yi , Liu Yanhua , Cong Xia , Mao Guoxin , Xue Qun
Published: July 2013

Nemo‐like kinase (NLK), an evolutionarily conserved serine/threonine kinase, is a critical regulator of various cancers. NLK expression was evaluated by Western blot in 8 paired fresh non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissues and immunohistochemistry (IHC) on 83 paraffin‐embedded slices. NLK was lowly expressed in NSCLC and significantly associated with NSCLC histological differentiation, clinical stage, lymph node status, and Ki‐67. Multivariate analysis indicated that low NLK expression was an independent prognostic factor for NSCLC patients' low survival rate. In vitro, after the release of NSCLC cell line A549 from serum starvation, the expression of NLK was downregulated, whereas the cell‐cycle‐related proteins were upregulated. In addition, we used RNA interference to knock down NLK expression, then observed its effects on NSCLC's growth in vitro. Western blot analyses indicated that deletion of NLK was positively correlated with cell‐cycle‐related proteins. The present investigation demonstrated that suppression of NLK expression resulted in significant promotion of proliferation in NSCLC cells. And flow cytometry further indicated that loss of NLK promoted cell proliferation by facilitating S‐phase and mitotic entry. Besides, the transcription activity of β‐catenin/TCF in A549 cells was remarkably enhanced when NLK was knocked down, which suggested that NLK participated in NSCLC cell proliferation via medulating Wnt signaling pathway. Based on these findings, we can provide a potential strategy for NSCLC therapy. J. Cell. Biochem. 115: 81–92, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Law of effect models and choice between many alternatives
Authors: Navakatikyan Michael Alexander , Murrell Paul , Bensemann Joshua , Davison Michael , Elliffe Douglas
Published: July 2013

Data from five experiments on choice between more than two variable‐interval schedules were modeled with different equations for the Law of Effect. Navakatikyan's (2007) component‐functions models with three, four and five free parameters were compared with Stevens' (1957), Herrnstein's (1970) and Davison and Hunter's (1976) equations. These latter models are consistent with the generalized‐matching principle, whereas Navakatikyan's models are not. Navakatikyan's models performed better or on par with their competitors, especially in predicting residence‐time data and generalized‐matching sensitivities for time allocation. The models described well an observed decrease, in several of these data sets, in generalized‐matching sensitivity between two alternatives when reinforcer rate increased on the other alternatives. Models built on the generalized‐matching principle cannot do this. Navakatikyan's models also performed better, though to a lesser extent, than their competitors for data sets that are not obviously inconsistent with generalized matching.
Integrating workplace aggression research: Relational, contextual, and method considerations
Authors: Hershcovis M. Sandy , Reich Tara C.
Published: July 2013

The present article takes an integrative perspective on the field of workplace aggression to highlight areas of ambiguity and opportunities for future research. First, by simultaneously examining the perpetrator‐ and target‐focused literatures, we identify a great deal of overlap between predictors and outcomes in the two literatures, giving rise to the question of whether key constructs are predictors, outcomes, or both. Second, we determine that the question of “who is the perpetrator?” and “who is the target?” is considerably more ambiguous than implied within each of these independent literatures. Third, our examination suggests that a greater focus on the relational aspect of workplace aggression is particularly important to enable a more comprehensive understanding of this phenomenon. We examine and critique current methods and measurement and propose different approaches to explore workplace aggression in a more dynamic and contextualized way. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gas chromatography/trace analysis of derivatized azelaic acid as a stability marker
Authors: Alzweiri Muhammed , Tarawneh Ruba , Khanfar Mohammad A.
Published: July 2013

Azelaic acid, a naturally occurring saturated dicarboxylic acid, is found in many topical formulations for its various medical benefits or as a byproduct of the oxidative decomposition of unsaturated fatty acids. The poor volatility of azelaic acid hinders its applicability in GC analysis. Therefore, azelaic acid was derivatized by methylation and silylation procedures to enhance its volatility for GC analysis. Accordingly, dimethyl azelate (DMA) and di(trimethylsilyl) azelate were synthesized and characterized by GC–MS. Subsequently, a GC with flame ionization detection method was developed and validated to analyze trace amounts of azelaic acid in some marketed skin creams. Unlike DMA, di(trimethylsilyl) azelate was chemically unstable and degraded within few hours. Nonane was used as a stable internal standard. Variability due to derivatization and extraction was controlled by a standard addition procedure. DMA analysis was linear in a wide concentration range (100 ng/mL to 100 mg/mL). Moreover, the method was accurate (96.4–103.4%) and precise with inter‐ and intraday variability <2.0% and LOQ and LOD of 100 and 10 ng/mL, respectively.
TusA (YhhP) and IscS are required for molybdenum cofactor‐dependent base‐analog detoxification
Authors: Kozmin Stanislav G. , Stepchenkova Elena I. , Schaaper Roel M.
Published: July 2013

Lack of molybdenum cofactor (Moco) in Escherichia coli leads to hypersensitivity to the mutagenic and toxic effects of N‐hydroxylated base analogs, such as 6‐N‐hydroxylaminopurine (HAP). This phenotype is due to the loss of two Moco‐dependent activities, YcbX and YiiM, that are capable of reducing HAP to adenine. Here, we describe two novel HAP‐sensitive mutants containing a defect in iscS or tusA (yhhP) gene. IscS is a major L‐cysteine desulfurase involved in iron–sulfur cluster synthesis, thiamine synthesis, and tRNA thiomodification. TusA is a small sulfur‐carrier protein that interacts with IscS. We show that both IscS and TusA operate within the Moco‐dependent pathway. Like other Moco‐deficient strains, tusA and iscS mutants are HAP sensitive and resistant to chlorate under anaerobic conditions. The base‐analog sensitivity of iscS or tusA strains could be suppressed by supplying exogenous L‐cysteine or sulfide or by an increase in endogenous sulfur donors (cysB constitutive mutant). The data suggest that iscS and tusA mutants have a defect in the mobilization of sulfur required for active YcbX/YiiM proteins as well as nitrate reductase, presumably due to lack of functional Moco. Overall, our data imply a novel and indispensable role of the IscS/TusA complex in the activity of several molybdoenzymes.