bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Do Interviewers and Children Discuss Individual Occurrences of Alleged Repeated Abuse in Forensic Interviews?
Authors: Brubacher Sonja P. , Malloy Lindsay C. , Lamb Michael E. , Roberts Kim P.
Published: March 2013

Police interviews (n = 97) with 5‐ to 13‐year‐olds alleging multiple incidents of sexual abuse were examined to determine how interviewers elicited and children recounted specific instances of abuse. Coders assessed the labels for individual occurrences that arose in interviews, recording who generated them, how they were used and other devices to aid particularisation such as the use of episodic and generic language. Interviewers used significantly more temporal labels than did children. With age, children were more likely to generate labels themselves, and most children generated at least one label. In 66% of the cases, interviewers ignored or replaced children's labels, and when they did so, children reported proportionately fewer episodic details. Children were highly responsive to the interviewers' language style. Results indicate that appropriately trained interviewers can help children of all ages to provide the specific details often necessary to ensure successful prosecution. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Within‐Pair Consistency in Child Witnesses: The Diagnostic Value of Telling the Same Story
Authors: Vredeveldt Annelies , Wagenaar Willem A.
Published: March 2013

Judges and jurors often rely on consistency for assessing veracity. The present study examined the diagnostic value of within‐pair consistency to predict truth‐telling in pairs of children aged 8 to 10 years. Twenty‐three pairs were questioned about one experienced event and one imagined event (which they had discussed before questioning). Within‐pair consistency was significantly higher for experienced events than for imagined events. The diagnostic value of within‐pair consistency to predict truth‐telling was, however, modest: approximately one out of three judgments based on this cue would have been mistaken. Analyses of children's discussions of the imagined events revealed that interview questions about topics that had been discussed before questioning did not effectively discriminate experienced and imagined events, providing support for theoretical assumptions underlying the unanticipated‐question approach. Practical recommendations for police interviewers are provided. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Facile Fabrication of PbS Nanocrystal:C60 Fullerite Broadband Photodetectors with High Detectivity
Authors: Saran Rinku , Nordin Muhammad N. , Curry Richard J.
Published: March 2013

Hybrid PbS nanocrystal/C60 fullerite photodetectors are fabricated using a simple one‐step drop casting procedure onto pre‐patterned interdigitated electrodes. The devices exhibit a broad spectral response from the near UV through to the near infrared yielding a detectivity, D*, of above 1010 Jones from 400 nm to ≈1050 nm. The ability to further extend the spectral response to wavelengths ≈1350 nm in the near infrared via tuning of the PbS nanocrystal diameter is also demonstrated. The dynamic responses of the devices are presented, exhibiting a fast photocurrent rise time (<40 ns) followed by a long bi‐exponential decay with characteristic lifetimes of τ1 = 5.3 μs ± 0.1 μs and τ2 = 37.8 μs ± 0.7 μs. These devices, which have a detectivity approaching that of commercial detectors, a broader spectral response, and a fast rise time, offer an attractive low‐cost solution for large‐area broadband photodetectors.
Development of Degradable, pH‐Sensitive Star Vectors for Enhancing the Cytoplasmic Delivery of Nucleic Acids
Authors: Durmaz Yasemin Yuksel , Lin Yen‐Ling , ElSayed Mohamed E. H.
Published: March 2013

The report describes the synthesis of degradable, pH‐sensitive, membrane‐destabilizing, star‐shaped polymers where copolymers of hydrophobic hexyl methacrylate (HMA) and 2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) monomers are grafted from the secondary face of a beta‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) core via acid‐labile hydrazone linkages using atom transfer radical polymerization. The effect of the graft's molecular weight, HMA/DMAEMA molar ratio, and the fraction of DMAEMA converted to cationic N,N,N‐trimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (TMAEMA) monomers on polymer's transfection capacity is systematically investigated. Results show that all star‐shaped polymers condense anti‐GAPDH silencing RNA (siRNA) into nanosized particles at +/‐ ratio ≤ 4:1. Star polymers with shorter (25kDa) P(HMA‐co‐DMAEMA‐co‐TMAEMA) grafts are more efficient and less cytotoxic than carriers with longer (40kDa) grafts. The results show that increasing the ratio of hydrophobic HMA monomers in graft's composition higher than 50 mole% dramatically reduces polymer's aqueous solubility and abolishes their transfection capacity. Further, retention of DMAEMA monomers in graft's composition provide a buffering capacity that enhanced the endosomal escape and transfection capacity of the polymers. These systematic studies show that β‐CD‐P(HMA‐co‐DMAEMA‐co‐TMAEMA)4.8 polymer with a 25 kDa average graft's molecular weight and a 50/25/25 ratio of HMA/DMAEMA/TMAEMA monomers is the most efficient carrier in delivering the siRNA cargo into the cytoplasm of epithelial cancer cells.
Ordered mesoporous carbons supported wacker‐type catalyst for catalytic oxidative carbonylation
Authors: Yan Bing , Huang Shouying , Meng Qingsen , Shen Yongli , Wang Shengping , Ma Xinbin
Published: March 2013

Ordered mesoporous carbons (OMCs) were used as supports to prepare Wacker‐type catalysts for diethyl carbonate (DEC) synthesis by oxidative carbonylation of ethanol in a gas‐phase reaction. The effect of support structure on the dispersion of the active species and catalytic properties were investigated. Nitrogen sorption, X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results revealed that the active components have encapsulated in pore channels of OMCs. Characterizations of the catalysts, such as TEM, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and XRD, indicated that active components supported on OMCs have better dispersion compared to activated carbon (AC). The ethanol conversion of the catalysts was improved by ∼65% using OMCs as the catalyst support than AC. The stability of the catalytic activity can also be enhanced through surface modification of OMCs. Surface oxygen‐containing groups (OCGs) on OMCs before and after surface modification were characterized by transmission IR spectra and the Beohm titration. The relationship between surface OCGs and anchor ability of OMCs was studied. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 3797–3805, 2013
Adsorption isotherm, kinetic and thermodynamic studies of activated carbon prepared from Garcinia mangostana shell
Authors: Kang Yee Li , Toh Seong Khoon See , Monash Purushothaman , Ibrahim Shaliza , Saravanan Pichiah
Published: March 2013

In this study, Garcinia mangostana shell was used to prepare phosphoric acid activated carbon (GMAC). The adsorption studies of the GMAC were carried out using methylene blue as a model dye adsorbate and textile industry effluent. Adsorption studies were conducted in batch mode. Multiple variables affecting adsorption such as contact time, temperature and pH were studied. The optimum conditions for adsorption were found to be contact time of 60 min, temperature 323 K and pH 12. The resultant data were fitted into the Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin isotherm. The data best fitted the Freundlich model indicating multilayer adsorption onto heterogeneous surface with irregular distribution of adsorption energy and affinity. The rate of adsorption has good correlation with pseudo‐second‐order kinetics, and diffusion models demonstrate that both film and intraparticle diffusion mechanisms are not the sole rate‐limiting step in this particular adsorption. An evaluation of thermodynamic parameters, namely ΔH°, ΔS° and ΔG°, indicates that the adsorption was feasible, spontaneous and endothermic in nature. The low values of ΔH° and ΔG° correspond to physical adsorption. The results reveal that GMAC can be successfully used to remove various types of dye from aqueous solution. © 2013 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis, Crystal Structures, and Optical/Electronic Properties of Sphere–Rod Shape Amphiphiles Based on a [60]FullereneOligofluorene Conjugate
Authors: Teng Fu‐Ai , Cao Yan , Qi Yuan‐Jiang , Huang Mingjun , Han Zhe‐Wen , Cheng Stephen Z. D. , Zhang Wen‐Bin , Li Hui
Published: March 2013

A series of sphere–rod shape amphiphiles, in which a [60]fullerene (C60) sphere was connected to the center of an oligofluorene (OF) rod through a rigid linkage (OF‐C60), were designed and synthesized. Alkyl chains of various lengths were attached onto the OFs on both sides of the C60 spheres. These compounds, denoted as alkyl‐OF‐C60, were fully characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and FTIR spectroscopy and by MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry. The morphologies and structures of their crystals were elucidated by wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD) and by electron diffraction in transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Butyl‐OF‐C60 forms a monoclinic unit cell (a=1.86, b=3.96, c=2.24 nm; α=γ=90°, β=68°; space group P2), octyl‐OF‐C60 also forms a monoclinic unit cell (a=2.21, b=4.06, c=1.81 nm; α=γ=90°, β=75.5°; space group C2m), and dodecanyl‐OF‐C60 forms a triclinic structure (a=1.82, b=4.35, c=2.26 nm; α=93.1°, β=94.5°, γ=92.7°; space group P1). The inequivalent spheres and rods were found to pack into an alternating layered structure of C60 and OF in the crystals, thus resembling a “double‐cable” structure. UV/Vis absorption spectroscopy revealed an electron perturbation between the two individual chromophores (C60 and OF) in their ground states. Fluorescence spectroscopy exhibited complete fluorescence quenching of their solutions in toluene, thus suggesting an effective energy transfer from OF to C60. Cyclic voltammetry indicated that the energy‐level profiles of C60 and OF remained essentially unchanged. This work has broad implications in terms of understanding the self‐assembly and molecular packing of conjugated materials in crystals and has potential applications in organic field‐effect transistors and bulk heterojunction solar cells.
Sign‐Regressor Adaptive Filtering Algorithms for Markovian Parameters
Authors: Yin G. George , Hashemi Araz , Wang Le Yi
Published: March 2013

This work is devoted to analyzing adaptive filtering algorithms with the use of sign‐regressor for randomly time‐varying parameters (a discrete‐timeMarkov chain). In accordance with different adaption and transition rates, we analyze the corresponding asymptotic properties of the algorithms. When the adaptation rate is in line with the transition rate, we obtain a limit of aMarkov switched differential equation. When theMarkov chain is slowly changing the parameter process is almost a constant, and we derive a limit differential equation. When theMarkov chain is fast varying, the limit system is again a differential equation that is an average with respect to the stationary distribution of theMarkov chain. In addition to the limit dynamic systems, we obtain asymptotic properties of centered and scaled tracking errors. We obtain mean square errors to illustrate the dependence on the stepsize as well as on the transition rate. The limit distributions in terms of scaled errors are studied by examining certain centered and scaled error sequences.
Highly luminescent and biocompatible, l‐citrulline‐capped ZnS:Mn nanocrystals for rapid screening of metal accumulating Lysinibacillus fusiformis bacteria
Authors: Sajimol Augustine M. , Roselin Alex , Sreevalsa V.G. , Deepa G.D. , Bhat Sarita G. , Jayalekshmi S.
Published: March 2013

Biocompatible and highly luminescent manganese doped zinc sulfide (ZnS:Mn) nanocrystals of average particle size 10 nm have been synthesized by capping with a novel amino acid ligand, l‐citrulline. Though there are many reports on the bioimaging applications of nanostructured semiconductors, the present study focused on the detection of a special type of metal accumulating bacteria, Lysinibacillus fusiformis. This bacterium has significant applications in the disposal of metal components from industrial effluents. In this context, the detection of this bacterium is quite important and the present work demonstrates a novel technique for this bacterial detection. The synthesized nanocrystals were attached to Lysinibacillus fusiformis and characteristics of the bioconjugated system were studied. The blue shift observed in the ultraviolet‐visible absorption and photoluminescence spectra of the bioconjugated system, confirms conjugation of the Lysinibacillus fusiformis with l‐citrulline‐capped ZnS:Mn. When the bioconjugated system (capped ZnS:Mn + bacteria) was observed using a fluorescent microscope under excitation wavelengths 365.4 nm (ultraviolet), 435.8 nm (blue) and 546.1 nm (green), fluorescence emissions were obtained in yellow, green and red regions respectively. The study of relative growth of Lysinibacillus fusiformis in the presence of l‐citrulline‐capped ZnS:Mn proves biocompatible property of these nanocrystals and their tunable color properties under different excitation wavelengths make them ideal for biolabeling applications. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of bulge loop size on DNA triplet repeat domains: Implications for DNA repair and expansion
Authors: Völker Jens , Plum G. Eric , Gindikin Vera , Klump Horst H. , Breslauer Kenneth J.
Published: March 2013

Repetitive DNA sequences exhibit complex structural and energy landscapes, populated by metastable, noncanonical states, that favor expansion and deletion events correlated with disease phenotypes. To probe the origins of such genotype–phenotype linkages, we report the impact of sequence and repeat number on properties of (CNG) repeat bulge loops. We find the stability of duplexes with a repeat bulge loop is controlled by two opposing effects; a loop junction‐dependent destabilization of the underlying double helix, and a self‐structure dependent stabilization of the repeat bulge loop. For small bulge loops, destabilization of the underlying double helix overwhelms any favorable contribution from loop self‐structure. As bulge loop size increases, the stabilizing loop structure contribution dominates. The role of sequence on repeat loop stability can be understood in terms of its impact on the opposing influences of junction formation and loop structure. The nature of the bulge loop affects the thermodynamics of these two contributions differently, resulting in unique differences in repeat size‐dependent minima in the overall enthalpy, entropy, and free energy changes. Our results define factors that control repeat bulge loop formation; knowledge required to understand how this helix imperfection is linked to DNA expansion, deletion, and disease phenotypes. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 101: 1–12, 2014.
Molecular Design Principle of All‐organic Dyes for Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Kim Bong‐Gi , Chung Kyeongwoon , Kim Jinsang
Published: March 2013

All‐organic dyes have shown promising potential as an effective sensitizer in dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The design concept of all‐organic dyes to improve light‐to‐electric‐energy conversion is discussed based on the absorption, electron injection, dye regeneration, and recombination. How the electron‐donor–acceptor‐type framework can provide better light harvesting through bandgap‐tuning and why proper arrangement of acceptor/anchoring groups within a conjugated dye frame is important in suppressing improper charge recombination in DSSCs are discussed. Separating the electron acceptor from the anchoring unit in the donor–acceptor‐type organic dye would be a promising strategy to reduce recombination and improve photocurrent generation.
Gas/Substrate Fluxes and Microbial Community in Phenol Biodegradation Using an O2‐Based Membrane Biofilm Reactor
Authors: Hanay Özge , Taşkan Ergin , Yıldız Burçin , Hasar Halil , Casey Eoin
Published: March 2013

Phenol can be oxidized to the end products when oxygen is used as an electron acceptor. This study evaluated phenol oxidation in an oxygen‐based membrane biofilm reactor (MBfR). The system achieved highest oxidation of both phenol and glucose when the phenol loading and glucose loading was ∼4.7 and ∼55 g m−2 day−1, respectively. These conditions were sufficient to prove an O2 flux of at least 46 g O2 m−2 day−1. In the case of feeding solely with phenol, the MBfR accomplished the highest phenol oxidation (∼100%) when the phenol loading was about 5.6 ± 0.9 g m−2 day−1 and the O2 flux was higher than 13.4 ± 2.2 g O2 m−2 day−1. However, higher phenol loading could be compensated by a higher O2 pressure, and the best performance occurred when the phenol loading was 5.6 g m−2 day−1, the O2 pressure was ∼0.54 atm, and hydraulic retention time was 2.5 h. Membrane fouling caused a reduced O2 flux, which led to low phenol‐oxidation efficiency. However, the bacterial population present in MBfR was analyzed by PCR‐denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and a low biodiversity was found.
Various Coordination Modes of Sulfate by Cyanuric Acid Platform‐Based First‐ and Second‐Generation Urea Receptors
Authors: Dutta Ranjan , Ghosh Pradyut
Published: March 2013

Cyanuric acid platform‐based first‐generation p‐nitrophenyl‐ (L1), p‐cyanophenyl‐ (L2) and pentafluorophenyl‐ (L3) substituted tris‐ureas and second‐generation p‐nitrophenyl‐functionalized hexakis‐urea receptor (L4) have been synthesized. Detailed solid‐state structural studies on the binding of sulfate to L1, L2 and L4 have been examined thoroughly by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and compared with the binding modes of SO42– to the pentafluorophenyl analogue of the tris‐urea receptor L3 to evaluate the various modes of SO42– binding in this new generation of cyanuric acid platform‐based anion receptors. The crystallographic results show a 1:1 binding pattern between L1 and SO42– through six N–H···O interactions with the three urea moieties of the receptor and one C–H···O interaction with one of the tetrabutylammonium counter cations in complex 1. Thus, this complex shows an uncommon example of a seven‐coordinate SO42–, which is structurally similar to that of the sulfate‐binding protein (SBP). Interestingly, L2 shows a 2:1 host/guest binding pattern with SO42– that generates a dimeric capsular assembly with dimensions of approximately 10.398 Å in complex 2. In this case, each of the oxygen atoms of SO42– forms a trifurcated hydrogen bond with the urea NH groups and thus a total of 12 N–H···O hydrogen‐bonding interactions can be observed for SO42–. In contrast, L3 shows 11 hydrogen‐bonding interactions with the encapsulated SO42– in complex 3 assisted by two nBu4N+ counter cations through six N–H···O and five C–H···O interactions. In the case of the SO42– complex of L4, complex 4 shows 1:1 encapsulation of SO42– in its inner cavity with 10 N–H···O interactions. A binding study of SO42– in solution was performed with L4 in dmso by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). This study also showed a 1:1 binding pattern of SO42– with an association constant of approximately 5.11 (log K). Furthermore, the binding of SO42– in the gas phase was examined by ESI mass spectrometry.
Controlled Growth and Up‐Conversion Improvement of Sodium Yttrium Fluoride Crystals
Authors: Fu Junxiang , Fu Xionghui , Wang Chaomin , Yang Xianfeng , Zhuang Jianle , Zhang Gongguo , Lai Boyuan , Wu Mingmei , Wang Jing
Published: March 2013

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Jing Wang and Mingmei Wu at Sun Yat‐Sen University. The cover image shows that the up‐conversion emission of hexagonal sodium yttrium fluoride crystals can be greatly enhanced by adding more sodium cations into the channels.
A New Microfluidic Chip‐Based Online Electrochemical Platform for Extracellular Neurochemicals Monitoring in Rat Brain
Authors: Lin Yuqing , Lu Xulin , Gao Xia , Cheng Hanjun , Ohsaka Takeo , Mao Lanqun
Published: March 2013

In this study, we report a simple microfluidic chip‐based technique as an effective online electrochemical platform for continuous monitoring of neurochemicals in rat brain by using ascorbate as an example. To establish the platform for neurochemical monitoring, a single‐channel microfluidic chip is developed into an electrochemical cell by incorporating an indium‐tin oxide (ITO) electrode as working electrode, an Ag/AgCl wire as reference electrode, and a Pt tube as counter electrode. The selective detection of ascorbate is accomplished by dip‐coating single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) onto the ITO electrode. As reported in our early studies, the use of SWNTs largely facilitates the electron transfer of ascorbate, well differentiating the potential for the ascorbate oxidation from those for other kinds of electrochemically active neurochemicals existing in the cerebral systems. With the microfluidic chip‐based electrochemical cell as selective detector, an online electrochemical detecting system is established by directly integrating the microfluidic chip‐based electrochemical detector with in vivo microdialysis. The system is demonstrated to have a good linear response toward ascorbate, high stability, and good in vivo reproducibility and stability. These excellent properties substantially enable this system to be particularly useful for continuous monitoring of ascorbate in rat brain.
Use of Mercury Film Glassy Carbon Electrode Modified with Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes in Electrochemical Analysis of DNA
Authors: Serpi Constantina , Voulgaropoulos Anastasios , Girousi Stella
Published: March 2013

Mercury film plated on a glassy carbon electrode modified with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MF/MWNTs/GCE) was used for the analysis of single (ss) and double stranded (ds) DNA, as well as for Jurkat genomic DNAs methylated to different degrees. The results indicated that the DNA molecules adsorbed quite strongly on the MF/MWNTs/GCE surface allowing ex situ adsorption and produce well developed peaks (due to cytosine and adenine) by using adsorptive stripping (Ads, ex situ) square wave voltammetry (SWV). Also, SWV of Jurkat DNA mixtures methylated to different degrees revealed a linear decrease of the peak height with increasing methylation indicating an increase of structural rigidity.
Integrated chip electrophoresis and magnetic particle isolation used for detection of hepatitis B virus oligonucleotides
Authors: Vaculovicova Marketa , Smerkova Kristyna , Sedlacek Jiri , Vyslouzil Jiri , Hubalek Jaromir , Kizek Rene , Adam Vojtech
Published: March 2013

Rapid and sensitive detection is a key step in the effective and early response to the global hazard of various viral diseases. In this study, an integrated isolation of hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐specific DNA fragment by magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) and its immediate analysis by microchip CGE was performed. Microfluidic CE chip was used to accommodate the complete process of viral DNA isolation by MNPs including hybridization and thermal denaturation followed by CE separation. Beforehand, calibration curves of HBV fragments were constructed. For isolation by MNPs, specific streptavidin–biotin interaction was used to bind complementary HBV fragment to magnetic particles. After analysis of isolated HBV by regular MNPs method, innovative approach was performed. The commercial CE chip (Bio‐rad) was successfully used to execute HBV fragment isolation. Detection using LIF with detection limit of 1 ng/mL was accomplished.
Fast and selective determination of total protein in milk powder via titration of moving reaction boundary electrophoresis
Authors: Guo Cheng‐ye , Wang Hou‐yu , Liu Xiao‐Ping , Fan Liu‐yin , Zhang Lei , Cao Cheng‐xi
Published: March 2013

In this paper, moving reaction boundary titration (MRBT) was developed for rapid and accurate quantification of total protein in infant milk powder, from the concept of moving reaction boundary (MRB) electrophoresis. In the method, the MRB was formed by the hydroxide ions and the acidic residues of milk proteins immobilized via cross‐linked polyacrylamide gel (PAG), an acid‐base indicator was used to denote the boundary motion. As a proof of concept, we chose five brands of infant milk powders to study the feasibility of MRBT method. The calibration curve of MRB velocity versus logarithmic total protein content of infant milk powder sample was established based on the visual signal of MRB motion as a function of logarithmic milk protein content. Weak influence of nonprotein nitrogen (NPN) reagents (e.g., melamine and urea) on MRBT method was observed, due to the fact that MRB was formed with hydroxide ions and the acidic residues of captured milk proteins, rather than the alkaline residues or the NPN reagents added. The total protein contents in infant milk powder samples detected via the MRBT method were in good agreement with those achieved by the classic Kjeldahl method. In addition, the developed method had much faster measuring speed compared with the Kjeldahl method.
Prospects of doubling global wheat yields
Authors: Hawkesford Malcolm J. , Araus Jose‐Luis , Park Robert , Calderini Daniel , Miralles Daniel , Shen Tianmin , Zhang Jianping , Parry Martin A. J.
Published: March 2013

While an adequate supply of food can be achieved at present for the current global population, sustaining this into the future will be difficult in the face of a steadily increasing population, increased wealth and a diminishing availability of fertile land and water for agriculture. This problem will be compounded by the new uses of agricultural products, for example, as biofuels. Wheat alone provides ≥20% of the calories and the protein for the world's population, and the value and need to increase the production is recognized widely. Currently, the world average wheat yield is around 3 t/ha but there is considerable variation between countries, with region‐specific factors limiting yield, each requiring individual solutions. Delivering increased yields in any situation is a complex challenge that is unlikely to be solved by single approaches and a multidisciplinary integrated approach to crop improvement is required. There are three specific major challenges: increasing yield potential, protecting yield potential, and increasing resource use efficiency to ensure sustainability. Since the green revolution, yields at the farm gate have stagnated in many countries, or are increasing at less than half the rate required to meet the projected demand. In some countries, large gains can still be achieved by improvements in agronomy, but in many others the yield gains will only be achieved by further genetic improvement. In this overview, the problems and potential solutions for increased wheat yields are discussed, in the context of specific geographic regions, with a particular emphasis on China. The importance and the prospects for improvement of individual traits are presented. It is concluded that there are opportunities for yield increase but a major challenge will be avoiding a simultaneous increase in resource requirements.
Impulse framework for unsteady flows reveals superdiffusive bed load transport
Authors: Phillips Colin B. , Martin Raleigh L. , Jerolmack Douglas J.
Published: March 2013

Sediment transport is an intrinsically stochastic process, and measurement of bed load in the environment is further complicated by the unsteady nature of river flooding. Here we present a methodology for analyzing sediment tracer data with unsteady forcing. We define a dimensionless impulse by integrating the cumulative excess shear velocity for the duration of measurement, normalized by grain size. We analyze the dispersion of a plume of cobble tracers in a very flashy stream over two years. The mean and variance of transport distance collapse onto well‐defined linear and power‐law relations, respectively, when plotted against cumulative dimensionless impulse. Data suggest that the asymptotic limit of bed load tracer dispersion is superdiffusive, in line with a broad class of geophysical flows exhibiting strong directional asymmetry (advection), thin‐tailed step lengths and heavy‐tailed waiting times. The impulse framework justifies the use of quasi‐steady flow approximations for long‐term river evolution modeling.
Genome-Wide Screening Reveals That miR-195 Targets the TNF-α/NF-κB Pathway by Down-Regulating IΚB Kinase Alpha and TAB3 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Ding Jie , Huang Shenglin , Wang Ying , Tian Qi , Zha Ruopeng , Shi Haibing , Wang Qifeng , Ge Chao , Chen Taoyang , Zhao Yingjun , Liang Linhui , Li Jinjun , He Xianghuo
Published: March 2013

Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) is an important factor linking inflammation and tumorigenesis. In this study we experimentally demonstrated through a high-throughput luciferase reporter screen that NF-κB signaling can be directly targeted by nearly 29 microRNAs (miRNAs). Many of these miRNAs can directly target NF-κB signaling nodes by binding to their 3′ untranslated region (UTR). miR-195, a member of the miR-15 family, is frequently down-regulated in gastrointestinal cancers, especially in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The expression level of miR-195 is inversely correlated with HCC tumor size. We further show that miR-195 suppresses cancer cell proliferation and migration

in vitro

and reduces tumorigenicity and metastasis

in vivo

. Additionally, miR-195 may exert its tumor suppressive function by decreasing the expression of multiple NF-κB downstream effectors by way of the direct targeting of IKKα and TAB3.

Conclusion

: Multiple miRNAs are involved in the NF-κB signaling pathway and miR-195 plays important inhibitory roles in cancer progression and may be a potential therapeutic target. (Hepatology 2013;58:654–666)
Book Reviews
Authors: HUTCHEON DUNCAN E.
Published: March 2013

Book reviewed in this article:

Kurzes Lehrbuch der Pharmacologie (in German). By G. Kuschinsky and H. Lullmann.

Prediction of Response to Pharmacotherapy. J. R. Wittenborn, and Philip R. A. May, Eds. Charles C Thomas

Ocular Therapy, Complications and Management. Irving H. Leopold.

The Therapeutic Use of Antibiotics In Hospital Practice. (Proceedings of a Symposium). Mark Ridley and Ian Phillips. E. & S. Livingstone

Pesticides in Clinical Practice. Royal Lee Brown. Charles C Thomas

Drugs in Neurospastic Disorders. Charles H. Carter and Sarah R. Gustafson.

Antihypertensive Therapy — Principals and Practice. F. Gross, Ed.
Drugs Released for Clinical Use
Authors: de HAEN PAUL
Published: March 2013

This listing includes new single chemical entities and preparations, duplicate single products, and combination products that have been made available for clinical use by the U. S. Food and Drug Administration during the period from March 21 to April 20, 1972. This information is taken from the manufacturer's package insert or brochure, which should be consulted for further details on indications, dosage, contraindications, and adverse reactions.
Book Reviews
Authors: PROCITA LEONARD
Published: March 2013

Book reviewed in this article:

Ensyme Inhibitors as Substrates. W. N. Aldridge.

The Role of Membranes in Metabolic Regulation. M. S. Mehlman and R. W. Hanson

Drugs in Current Use and New Drugs. Walter Modell

The Therapeutic Choice in Pediatrics. W. L. Burland and B. M. Laurence

The Clinical Significance of the Essential Biological Metals. I. J. T. Davies. Charles C Thomas

Spontaneous Hypertension: Its Pathogenesis and Complications. Kozo Okamoto
Drugs Released for Clinical Use
Authors: de HAEN PAUL
Published: March 2013

This listing includes new single chemical entities and preparations, duplicate single products, and combination products that have been made available for clinical use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration during the period from September 21 to November 21, 1972. This information is taken from the manufacturer's package insert or brochure, which should be consulted for further details on indications, dosage, contraindications, and adverse reactions.
Renal Dysfunction Does Not Alter the Pharmacokinetics or LDL‐Cholesterol Reduction of Atorvastatin
Authors: Stern R. H. , Yang B.‐B. , Horton M. , Moore S. , Abel R. B. , Olson S. C.
Published: March 2013

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of renal dysfunction on the steady‐state pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of atorvastatin, a 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitor. Nineteen subjects with calculated creatinine clearances ranging from 13 mL/min to 143 mL/min were administered 10 mg atorvastatin daily for 2 weeks. Pharmacokinetic parameters and lipid responses were analyzed by regression on calculated creatinine clearance. Correlations between steady‐state atorvastatin pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic parameters and creatinine clearance were weak and, in general, did not achieve statistical significance. Although the elimination rate constant, λz (0.579), was significantly correlated with creatinine clearance, neither maximum plasma concentration (Cmax, −0.361) nor oral clearance (Cl/F, 0.306) were; thus, steady‐state exposure is not altered. Renal impairment has no significant effect on pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of atorvastatin.
A retrospective study of autologous stem cell mobilization to guide an immediate salvage protocol using plerixafor for patients who mobilize stem cells poorly
Authors: Hay Annette Elizabeth , Lawrie Alastair , Robinson Nicolas , Dong Bin , Culligan Dominic J.
Published: March 2013

The addition of plerixafor to G‐CSF decreases the risk of failed stem cell collection, but at considerable extra cost. Using a logistic regression model based on 354 autologous mobilizations, we have identified a local minimum peripheral blood CD34 count at which the probability of a successful collection is 50%. This seems an appropriate CD34 count at which to add immediate salvage plerixafor. J. Clin. Apheresis 28:378–380, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Biological Evaluation of Some Antimicrobial Nano‐Materials
Authors: Mokhtari Bahram , Pourabdollah Kobra
Published: March 2013

N‐(benzothiazol‐2‐yl)‐2‐(piperidin‐1‐yl)acetamide derivatives (1‐24) were obtained by the reaction of 2‐chloro‐N‐(benzothiazole‐2‐yl)acetamides with piperidine derivatives. The structures of the compounds were elucidated by 1H‐NMR and mass spectral data and elemental analysis. The compounds were screened for their antimicrobial activities against pathogenic bacteria and Candida species. The compounds were also investigated for their cytotoxic properties using MTT assay. The microbiological results revealed that the compounds were more effective against fungi than bacteria. Among Candida species, C. utilis was the most susceptible fungus to compounds 7 and 11. It is apparent that 2,6‐dimethylpiperidine group and chloro and methyl substituents on benzothiazole ring have an important impact on anticandidal activity. MTT assay indicated that the effective doses of these derivatives were lower than their cytotoxic doses.
Symmetrical 1,3‐Dialkylimidazolium Based Ionic Liquid Crystals
Authors: Rohini Rondla , Lee Ching‐Kuan , Lu Jung‐Tang , Lin Ivan J. B.
Published: March 2013

The synthesis and characterization for a series of symmetrical 1,3‐dialkylimidazolium salts with different chain lengths and counter anions together with their 1‐alkylimidazole precursors are described. Liquid crystal (LC) properties of these salts are studied. Images under polarizing optical microscopy show focal conic texture together with homeotropic domains. A smectic A mesophase, typical for rod‐like imidazolium salts, is assigned. Studies from powder X‐ray diffraction suggest a lamellar structure with noninterdigitated monolayer arrangement for the LC salts in the mesophase. In addition, a short note on the structure and property relationship for rod‐like, disc‐ or fan‐like, and dendritic shaped imidazolium ionic liquid crystals (ImILCs) forming smectic, columnar, and cubic phase is briefly summarized. A comparison of minimum alkyl chain length needed for 1‐alkyl‐3‐methyl and symmetrical 1,3‐dialkyl ImILCs to exhibit LC behavior is addressed.
Sulfides: chemical ionization induced fragmentation studied with Proton Transfer Reaction‐Mass Spectrometry and density functional calculations
Authors: Schuhfried Erna , Probst Michael , Limtrakul Jumras , Wannakao Sippakorn , Aprea Eugenio , Cappellin Luca , Märk Tilmann D. , Gasperi Flavia , Biasioli Franco
Published: March 2013

We report the energy‐dependent fragmentation patterns upon protonation of eight sulfides (organosulfur compounds) in Proton Transfer Reaction‐Mass Spectrometry (PTR‐MS). Studies were carried out, both, experimentally with PTR‐MS, and with theoretical quantum‐chemical methods. Charge retention usually occurred at the sulfur‐containing fragment for short chain sulfides. An exception to this is found in the unsaturated monosulfide allylmethyl sulfide (AMS), which preferentially fragmented to a carbo‐cation at m/z 41, C3H5+. Quantum chemical calculations (DFT with the M062X functional 6‐31G(d,p) basis sets) for the fragmentation reaction pathways of AMS indicated that the most stable protonated AMS cation at m/z 89 is a protonated (cyclic) thiirane, and that the fragmentation reaction pathways of AMS in the drift tube are kinetically controlled. The protonated parent ion MH+ is the predominant product in PTR‐MS, except for diethyl disulfide at high collisional energies. The saturated monosulfides R‐S‐R’ (with R<R’) have little or no fragmentation, at the same time the most abundant fragment ion is the smaller R‐S+ fragment. The saturated disulfides R‐S‐S‐R display more fragmentation than the saturated monosulfides, the most common fragments are disulfide containing fragments or long‐chain carbo‐cations. The results rationalize fragmentation data for saturated monosulfides and disulfides and represent a detailed analysis of the fragmentation of an unsaturated sulfide. Apart from the theoretical interest, the results are in support of the quantitative analysis of sulfides with PTR‐MS, all the more so as PTR‐MS is one of a few techniques that allow for ultra‐low quantitative analysis of sulfides. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synovial fluid concentrations and relative potency of interleukin‐1 alpha and beta in cartilage and meniscus degradation
Authors: McNulty Amy L. , Rothfusz Nicole E. , Leddy Holly A. , Guilak Farshid
Published: March 2013

Cartilage degeneration with osteoarthritis (OA) is believed to involve the activities of interleukin‐1 (IL‐1), which exists as alpha and beta isoforms. The goal of this study was to measure the concentrations of both isoforms of IL‐1 in the synovial fluid of normal and spontaneously osteoarthritic porcine knees, and to test the hypothesis that physiologic concentrations of IL‐1α and IL‐1β exhibit different potencies in activating calcium signaling, the production of matrix metalloproteinases and nitric oxide, and the loss of proteoglycans and tissue mechanical properties in cartilage and meniscus. Median concentrations of IL‐1α were 0.043 ng/ml with mild OA and 0.288 ng/ml with moderate OA, whereas IL‐1β concentrations were 0.109 ng/ml with mild OA and 0.122 ng/ml with moderate OA. Both isoforms induced calcium signaling in chondrocytes and meniscal cells at all concentrations. Overall, cartilage and meniscus catabolism was significantly more sensitive to IL‐1α than IL‐1β at concentrations of 1 ng/ml or less, while few differences were observed between the two forms at 10 ng/ml. These data provide a range of physiologic IL‐1 concentrations that can serve as a framework for the comparison of various in vitro studies, as well as providing further insight for the development of anti‐cytokine therapies for OA. © 2013 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31:1039–1045, 2013
The distribution of vestibular efferent neurons receiving innervation of secondary vestibular afferent nerves in rats
Authors: Wang Jing , Chi Fang‐lu , Xin Yuan , Regner Michael F.
Published: March 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

To explore the innervation areas of the medial vestibular nucleus (MVN) afferent neurons onto vestibular efferent neurons in the brain stem of rats.

Study Design

A morphology study in the central vestibular system.

Methods

Two neuronal tracers were used. Lectin PHA‐L Conjugates (PHA‐L, Invitrogen L ‐ 11270,) was injected into the MVN as an anterograde tracer, and 5% FluoSpheres carboxylate‐modified microspheres (MFS, Molecular Probe F‐8793) was injected into the contralateral peripheral vestibule using as a retrograde tracer. All animals were allowed to recover for 12 days to facilitate sufficient transportation of the tracers. Then brain stems were sliced coronally on a freezing microtome and observed under a fluorescence microscope and laser confocal microscopy.

Results

Neurons in the MVN labeled with PHA‐L exhibited green fluorescence, and their axons were distributed near the genu of the facial nerve (g7) and in the reticulation structure, as well as in the cerebellum or oculomotor‐related nuclei. Neurons labeled with red fluorescence of MFS were mainly located dorsomedial and dorsolateral to g7 and in the caudal pontine reticular nucleus (PnC) bilaterally and presented different morphologies at different locations. The synaptic junctions would display color overlap (fluoresced yellow). Under three‐dimensional reconstruction of the confocal laser microscopy, the synaptic junctions were visualized dorsomedial and dorsolateral to g7 bilaterally, predominantly ipsilateral to the MVN injection site.

Conclusions

Morphologic evidence of the distribution of vestibular efferent neurons synapsed by afferent nerves from MVN was demonstrated. These efferent neurons constitute short closed‐loop circuits with neurons in the MVN.
A new custom moldable external neck brace (ENB 2.0) to improve hands‐free speech in laryngectomized patients
Authors: Dirven Richard , Clark Jonathan R. , Wismans Joris G. F. , McGuiness John , Palme Carsten E. , Blyth Katrina , Baxter Candice , Stone Danielle B. , Marres Henri A. M.
Published: March 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

The majority of laryngectomy patients fail to use a hands‐free valve on a daily basis, mainly due to fixation problems of the adhesive baseplate housing. To support adhesive housings during hands‐free speech a new external neck brace (ENB 2.0) was developed. The effect of the brace was assessed in terms of a qualitative assessment, adhesive lifetime, maximum phonation time and patient self‐reports.

Study Design

Twenty laryngectomees participated in this randomized, prospective, crossover trial.

Methods

All participants used the Provox hands‐free HME valve with an Xtrabase adhesive for 1 month, 2 weeks with an ENB 2.0, and 2 weeks without. Outcomes were compared with the previous model of the external neck brace (ENB 1.0).

Results

The average total number of adhesive baseplates used during the trial was 16.7 in the non‐brace group versus 10.9 in the brace group (P = 0.05). The number of daily replacements was 1.4 in the non‐brace group and 1.1 in the brace group (P = 0.025). The average time a hands‐free valve was worn per baseplate was 9.5 hours when wearing a neck brace versus 7.3 hours without brace (P = 0.09).The majority (81%) of the patients considered the neck brace 2.0 as a welcome addition to improve hands‐free speech after laryngectomy and would use it if prescribed (88%).

Conclusion

The new model of the neck brace reduces the number of baseplate replacements during hands‐free speech and is considered as a helpful device by 81% of the participants.

Level of Evidence

1b. Laryngoscope, 123:2209–2215, 2013
Clinical experience with microdialysis catheters in pediatric liver transplants
Authors: Haugaa Håkon , Almaas Runar , Thorgersen Ebbe Billmann , Foss Aksel , Line Pål Dag , Sanengen Truls , Bergmann Gísli Björn , Ohlin Per , Wælgaard Lars , Grindheim Guro , Pischke Soeren Erik , Mollnes Tom Eirik , Tφnnessen Tor Inge
Published: March 2013

Ischemic vascular complications and rejection occur more frequently with pediatric liver transplants versus adult liver transplants. Using intrahepatic microdialysis catheters, we measured lactate, pyruvate, glucose, and glycerol values at the bedside for a median of 10 days in 20 pediatric liver grafts. Ischemia (n = 6), which was defined as a lactate level > 3.0 mM and a lactate/pyruvate ratio > 20, was detected without a measurable time delay with 100% sensitivity and 86% specificity. Rejection (n = 8), which was defined as a lactate level > 2.0 mM and a lactate/pyruvate ratio < 20 lasting for 6 or more hours, was detected with 88% sensitivity and 45% specificity. With additional clinical criteria, the specificity was 83% without a decrease in the sensitivity. Rejection was detected at a median of 4 days (range = 1-7 days) before alanine aminotransferase increased (n = 5, P = 0.11), at a median of 4 days (range = 2-9 days) before total bilirubin increased 25% or more (n = 7, P = 0.04), and at a median of 6 days (range = 4-11 days) before biopsy was performed (n = 8, P = 0.05). In conclusion, microdialysis catheters can be used to detect episodes of ischemia and rejection before current standard methods in pediatric liver transplants with clinically acceptable levels of sensitivity and specificity. The catheters were well tolerated by the children, and no major complications related to the catheters were observed.
Development, management, and resolution of biliary complications after living and deceased donor liver transplantation: A report from the adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation cohort study consortium
Authors: Zimmerman Michael A. , Baker Talia , Goodrich Nathan P. , Freise Chris , Hong Johnny C. , Kumer Sean , Abt Peter , Cotterell Adrian H. , Samstein Benjamin , Everhart James E. , Merion Robert M.
Published: March 2013

Adult recipients of living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) have a higher incidence of biliary complications than recipients of deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT). Our objective was to define the intensity of the interventions and the time to resolution after the diagnosis of biliary complications after liver transplantation. We analyzed the management and resolution of posttransplant biliary complications and investigated the comparative effectiveness of interventions in LDLT and DDLT recipients. For the analysis of biliary complications (leaks or strictures), we used a retrospective cohort of patients who underwent liver transplantation at 8 centers between 1998 and 2006 (median follow-up from onset=4.7 years). The numbers, procedure types, and times to resolution were compared for LDLT and DDLT recipients. Posttransplant biliary complications occurred in 47 of the 189 DDLT recipients (25%) and in 141 of the 356 LDLT recipients (40%). Biliary leaks constituted 38% of the post-DDLT biliary complications (n=18) and 65% of the post-LDLT biliary complications (n=91). The median times to first biliary complications were similar for DDLT and LDLT (11 versus 14 days for leaks, P=0.63; 69 versus 107 days for strictures, P=0.34). Overall, 1225 diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, including reoperation and retransplantation, were performed (6.5±5.4 per recipient; 5.5±3.6 for DDLT versus 6.8±5.8 for LDLT, P=0.52). The median number of months to the resolution of a biliary complication (i.e., a tube-, stent-, and drain-free status) did not significantly differ between the DDLT and LDLT groups for leaks (2.3 versus 1.3 months, P=0.29) or strictures (4.9 versus 2.3 months, P=0.61). Although the incidence of biliary complications is higher after LDLT versus DDLT, the treatment requirements and the time to resolution after the development of a biliary complication are similar for LDLT and DDLT recipients.