bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Zinc Levels on Growth, Chlorophyll Content and Biomass Allocation of Cocoa Varieties
Authors: H Nayana , Bhat Ravi , B. N Maruthi Prasad , Bhavishya  , S Elain Apshara , S. V Ramesh , J Venkatesh
Published: June 2024

A pot experiment conducted at ICAR-CPCRI, RS, Vittal, provided practical insights into the effects of varying zinc levels (0.25, 0.75, and 1.25 mg/7L pot) on the growth, chlorophyll content and biomass allocation of eight cocoa varieties. The study revealed significant varietal differences and a positive influence of zinc application on growth parameters. Notably, the variety VTLCC-1 exhibited the highest plant height (138.73 cm) and stem diameter (11.40 mm) under the medium zinc level, as well as the greatest leaf count (70.33) under the high zinc level. In contrast, VTLCH-4, grown with a low zinc level, recorded the highest total chlorophyll content (4.79 mg g⁻1). Additionally, VTLCS-1, grown with a low zinc level showed a higher shoot-to-root ratio of 8.74, and varieties VTLCH-4 and VTLCS-1 recorded the highest root-to-shoot ratio of 0.25 at a high Zn level. This underscores the unique responses of different cocoa varieties to varied Zn levels in terms of growth, chlorophyll content and the allocation of biomass, providing valuable information for sustainable cocoa production.
Molecular Detection of Dermatophytes Associated with Dermatitis in Dogs of Puducherry, India
Authors: Nehru Banoth Sai , Mohanraj Naresh , K Harish Reddy , Kumar P Kushwanth Sai , M Sathish Kumar , Tanmaie Kalapala , Vasu Jayalakshmi , Srinivas V.M. Vivek
Published: June 2024

Dermatophytosis (ringworm) is a disease of global significance caused by pathogenic fungi called dermatophytes in animals and humans. Dermatophytes are a group of septate fungi that, invade superficial keratinized structures such as skin, hair, and claws. The most common infection in dogs and cats is caused by the genera Microsporum (M.), or Trichophyton (T.). Nowadays the dermatophytes of pet dogs and cats could be a potential source of zoonotic infections causing a serious public health problem. The dermatophytosis is generally chronic, and its control requires proper identification of aetiological agents and its prevalence to prescribe specific treatment. The current study was conducted to identify the causative agent of skin disease from dogs in Puducherry (India). The suspected hair samples collected from dogs having skin infections were examined under a microscope revealing the presence of arthrospores. Traditional diagnostics of ringworms are based on the morphological identification of cultured fungi and are time-consuming. Identification of fungi in dermatological samples using PCR is reliable and provides better results in comparison with cultures. The ITS regions were amplified by PCR. This study is useful to identify the most common pathogenic dermatophytes affecting dogs.
Effect of Ramadan Intermittent Fasting on Cognitive Work Performance
Authors: Prasetyo Ridwan Aji Budi , Nurwanti Ratri , Alhad Muhammad Afif
Published: June 2024

This study aims to investigate the effect of Ramadan intermittent fasting on cognitive work performance using a more natural approach. To achieve the objective of this study, a natural experimental approach was employed by incorporating a pretest-posttest control group design. A forward-type Digit Span Test (DST) was utilized as the measure of the cognitive work performance and was administered to participants twice, before and during Ramadan, with one-month gap between the tests. Two hundred and sixty-seven participants were naturally grouped into fasting and non-fasting groups according to their report during Ramadan session and into morning and afternoon periods, or AM and PM hours, according to their module scheduling. The results of the analyses suggest that the cognitive work performance of the fasting participants during the PM hours is better, after controlling the DST scores before Ramadan. The study also concludes that the cognitive work performance of the fasting participants between AM and PM hours does not differ. This result could be explained using the perspectives of post-lunch performance dip and the beneficial effect of breakfast. Methodological limitations and potential practical implementation of this study are also discussed.
Causal Loop Diagram of Banyumas Tourism Projection with Transportation System Improvement
Authors: Arini Ratih Windu , Hidayatuloh Syarif , Ikasari Diniary , Herdianto Bachtiar , Putra Firmansyah Isrofil , Sari Sarah Karenina
Published: June 2024

Banyumas is one of the famous tourist destinations in Central Java with its natural attractions. Tourism growth in Banyumas requires capable and sustainable transportation infrastructure. However, current policies and investments in Banyumas are inappropriate for developing transportation and tourism infrastructure that creates non-significant impact. Therefore, the development of tourism projection should consider environmental, social, economics, and technology interrelated in developing transportation and tourism infrastructure issues. The tourism supply chain has a unique structure that is different from typical supply chains with high complexity because many stakeholders are involved. This research aims to project Banyumas tourism development with the impact of transportation system improvement. This conceptual model was developed from literature reviews and other necessary sources, and then validated by experts. The conceptual model examines the relationship between variables involved in the tourism supply chain and transportation system in Banyumas that can be developed into a quantitative model using Causal Loop Diagram, an initial stage of system dynamics. This model used to analyze the behavior of visitor projection of the Banyumas tourism supply chain system in Indonesia.
Factors associated with gastrointestinal perforation in a cohort of patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Curtis Jeffrey R. , Lanas Angel , John Ani , Johnson David A. , Schulman Kathy L.
Published: November 2012

Objective

To estimate the incidence and risk factors for gastrointestinal (GI) perforation among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

Claims from employer health insurance plans were used to identify RA patients and those hospitalized for upper or lower GI perforation. GI perforation cases were identified using both a sensitive and a specific definition. A Cox model using fixed and time‐varying covariates was used to evaluate the risk of GI perforation.

Results

Among 143,433 RA patients, and using a maximally sensitive GI perforation definition, 696 hospitalizations with perforation were identified. The rate of perforation was 1.70 per 1,000 person years (PYs; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.58–1.83), and most perforations (83%) occurred in the lower GI tract. The rate of perforation was lower when a more specific GI perforation definition was used (0.87; 95% CI 0.78–0.96 per 1,000 PYs). Age and diverticulitis were among the strongest risk factors for perforation (diverticulitis hazard ratio [HR] 14.5 [95% CI 11.8–17.7] for the more sensitive definition, HR 3.9 [95% CI 2.5–5.9] for the more specific definition). Among various RA medication groups and compared to methotrexate, the risk of GI perforation was highest among patients with exposure to nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), concomitant nonbiologic disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs, and glucocorticoids. Biologic agents without glucocorticoid exposure were not a risk factor for perforation.

Conclusion

GI perforation is a rare but serious condition that affects patients with RA, most frequently in the lower GI tract. Clinicians should be aware of risk factors for GI perforation when managing RA patients, including age, history of diverticulitis, and use of glucocorticoids or NSAIDs.
Zinc‐Catalyzed Organic Synthesis: CC, CN, CO Bond Formation Reactions
Authors: Wu Xiao‐Feng , Neumann Helfried
Published: November 2012

Zinc is the 24thmost abundant element in the Earth’s crust. Since the discovery of pure zinc metal in the 18thcentury, the main application of zinc metal is as materials. Because zinc salts are abundant, cheap, non‐toxic, and exhibit environmentally benign properties, organic chemists have been interested in using zinc salts as catalysts in organic synthesis during the last three decades. Within this review, we have summarized the progress on applications of zinc salts in organic reactions. Our the target is to emphasize the special properties of zinc catalysts, and further promote the interest of organic chemists.
Referencing patterns of individual researchers: Do top scientists rely on more extensive information sources?
Authors: Costas Rodrigo , van Leeuwen Thed N. , Bordons María
Published: November 2012

This study presents an analysis of the use of bibliographic references by individual scientists in three different research areas. The number and type of references that scientists include in their papers are analyzed, the relationship between the number of references and different impact‐based indicators is studied from a multivariable perspective, and the referencing patterns of scientists are related to individual factors such as their age and scientific performance. Our results show inter‐area differences in the number, type, and age of references. Within each area, the number of references per document increases with journal impact factor and paper length. Top‐performance scientists use in their papers a higher number of references, which are more recent and more frequently covered by the Web of Science. Veteran researchers tend to rely more on older literature and non‐Web of Science sources. The longer reference lists of top scientists can be explained by their tendency to publish in high impact factor journals, with stricter reference and reviewing requirements. Long reference lists suggest a broader knowledge on the current literature in a field, which is important to become a top scientist. From the perspective of the “handicap principle theory,” the sustained use of a high number of references in an author's oeuvre is a costly behavior that may indicate a serious, comprehensive, and solid research capacity, but that only the best researchers can afford. Boosting papers' citations by artificially increasing the number of references does not seem a feasible strategy.
The Impact of Phantom Decoys on Choices and Perceptions
Authors: Scarpi Daniele , Pizzi Gabriele
Published: November 2012

Phantoms are dominating, attractive alternatives that are unavailable at the time of choice. They occupy different positions in the attribute space, and their unavailability can be either known or unknown to individuals. Although different theories have offered explanations for the influence that phantoms exert on individual choices, they have largely overlooked phantom knowledge. Contradictory predictions can be drawn from these theories, and none provides a good account of the pattern of effects that emerges from our data. We suggest that these contradictions appear because the different theories do not address phantom location and knowledge jointly. When considering phantom knowledge together with location, we observe a consistent overall pattern of effects that encompasses all predictions that could be made on the basis of each theory. We find that known phantoms are stronger when close, and favor the target product, whereas unknown phantoms are stronger when far, and favor the competitor. Finally, we look beyond shifts in choice shares and find that phantom decoys can also affect individuals' post‐choice evaluations and reactions in terms of perceived justice, decision satisfaction, and repatronage intention. Our results show that post‐choice evaluations are driven by phantom knowledge, not phantom location. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Endocytosis and autophagy: Shared machinery for degradation
Authors: Lamb Christopher A. , Dooley Hannah C. , Tooze Sharon A.
Published: November 2012

Two key questions in the autophagy field are the mechanisms that underlie the signals for autophagy initiation and the source of membrane for expansion of the nascent membrane, the phagophore. In this review, we discuss recent findings highlighting the role of the classical endosomal pathway, from plasma membrane to lysosome, in the formation and expansion of the phagophore and subsequent degradation of the autophagosome contents. We also highlight the striking conservation of regulatory factors between the two pathways, including those regulating membrane budding and fusion, and the role of the lysosome in sensing the nutrient status of the cell, regulating mTORC1 activity, and ultimately the initiation of autophagy.

Editor's suggested further reading in BioEssays The evolution of dynamin to regulate clathrin‐mediated endocytosis Abstract
Localization of Phenolics in Phloem Parenchyma Cells of Norway Spruce (Picea abies)
Authors: Li Sheng‐Hong , Nagy Nina Elisabeth , Hammerbacher Almuth , Krokene Paal , Niu Xue‐Mei , Gershenzon Jonathan , Schneider Bernd
Published: November 2012

Norway spruce (Picea abies) bark contains specialized phloem parenchyma cells that swell and change their contents upon attack by the bark beetle Ips typographus and its microbial associate, the blue stain fungus Ceratocystis polonica. These cells exhibit bright autofluorescence after treatment with standard aldehyde fixatives, and so have been postulated to contain phenolic compounds. Laser microdissection of spruce bark sections combined with cryogenic NMR spectroscopy demonstrated significantly higher concentrations of the stilbene glucoside astringin in phloem parenchyma cells than in adjacent sieve cells. After infection by C. polonica, the flavonoid (+)‐catechin also appeared in phloem parenchyma cells and there was a decrease in astringin content compared to cells from uninfected trees. Analysis of whole‐bark extracts confirmed the results obtained from the cell extracts and revealed a significant increase in dimeric stilbene glucosides, both astringin and isorhapontin derivatives (piceasides A to H), in fungus‐infected versus uninfected bark that might explain the reduction in stilbene monomers. Phloem parenchyma cells thus appear to be a principal site of phenolic accumulation in spruce bark.
Gold Catalysis: Catalyst Oxidation State Dependent Dichotomy in the Cyclization of Furan–Yne Systems with Aromatic Tethers
Authors: Hashmi A. Stephen K. , Hofmann Julia , Shi Shuai , Schütz Alexander , Rudolph Matthias , Lothschütz Christian , Wieteck Marcel , Bührle Miriam , Wölfle Michael , Rominger Frank
Published: November 2012

Four different synthetic strategies led to a variety of furan–yne systems that contained an aryl system in the tether. Due to the short routes to these systems (four steps or less), a small library of substrates could easily be prepared. These were treated with AuCl3 or with the Gagosz’s catalyst Ph3PAuNTf2 complex. The AuCl3‐catalyzed reactions delivered highly substituted fluorene derivatives, a class of compounds of great importance as precursors for luminophores with extraordinary abilities. Conversely, a different mechanistic pathway was observed with the cationic gold(I) catalyst. In the latter case, a mechanistically interesting reaction cascade initiated a formal alkyne insertion into the furyl‐sp3‐C bond, which gave indene derivatives as the final products. This new reaction pathway depends on the aromatic moiety in the tether, which stabilizes a crucial cationic intermediate as a benzylic cation.
Synthesis of Imides by Palladium‐Catalyzed CH Functionalization of Aldehydes with Secondary Amides
Authors: Bian Yong‐Jun , Chen Chao‐Yue , Huang Zhi‐Zhen
Published: November 2012

An efficient palladium‐catalyzed CH functionalization of aldehydes with various N‐substituted N‐heteroarene‐2‐carboxamides has been developed for the synthesis of secondary imides. The reaction tolerates various functionalities, such as methoxy, fluoro, chloro, and bromo groups. A tentative radical mechanism for a PdII/PdIV catalytic cycle is proposed.
Catalytic and Mechanistic Insights of the Low‐Temperature Selective Oxidation of Methane over Cu‐Promoted Fe‐ZSM‐5
Authors: Hammond Ceri , Jenkins Robert L. , Dimitratos Nikolaos , Lopez‐Sanchez Jose Antonio , ab Rahim Mohd Hasbi , Forde Michael M. , Thetford Adam , Murphy Damien M. , Hagen Henk , Stangland Eric E. , Moulijn Jacob M. , Taylor Stuart H. , Willock David J. , Hutchings Graham J.
Published: November 2012

The partial oxidation of methane to methanol presents one of the most challenging targets in catalysis. Although this is the focus of much research, until recently, approaches had proceeded at low catalytic rates (<10 h−1), not resulted in a closed catalytic cycle, or were unable to produce methanol with a reasonable selectivity. Recent research has demonstrated, however, that a system composed of an iron‐ and copper‐containing zeolite is able to catalytically convert methane to methanol with turnover frequencies (TOFs) of over 14 000 h−1 by using H2O2 as terminal oxidant. However, the precise roles of the catalyst and the full mechanistic cycle remain unclear. We hereby report a systematic study of the kinetic parameters and mechanistic features of the process, and present a reaction network consisting of the activation of methane, the formation of an activated hydroperoxy species, and the by‐production of hydroxyl radicals. The catalytic system in question results in a low‐energy methane activation route, and allows selective C1‐oxidation to proceed under intrinsically mild reaction conditions.
On the Catalytic Mechanism of (S)‐2‐Hydroxypropylphosphonic Acid Epoxidase (HppE): A Hybrid DFT Study
Authors: Miłaczewska Anna , Broclawik Ewa , Borowski Tomasz
Published: November 2012

The mechanism of oxidative epoxidation catalyzed by HppE, which is the ultimate step in the biosynthesis of fosfomycin, was studied by using hybrid DFT quantum chemistry methods. An active site model used in the computations was based on the available crystal structure for the HppE‐FeII‐(S)‐HPP complex and it comprised first‐shell ligands of iron as well as second‐shell polar groups interacting with the substrates. The reaction energy profiles were constructed for three a priori plausible mechanisms proposed in the literature, and it was found that the most likely scenario for the native substrate, that is, (S)‐HPP, involves generation of the reactive FeIIIO./FeIVO species, which is responsible for the CH bond‐cleavage. At the subsequent reaction stage, the OH‐rebound, which would lead to a hydroxylated product, is prevented by a fast protonation of the OH ligand and, as a result, ring closure is the energetically preferred step. For the R enantiomer of the substrate ((R)‐HPP), which is oxidized to a keto product, comparable barrier heights were found for the CH bond activation by both the FeIIIO2. and FeIVO species.
Role of Iron Carbonyls in the Inhibition of Oxygen Activation for the Oxidation of CO Catalyzed by Iron Oxide‐Supported Gold
Authors: Jimenez‐Lam Sergio A. , Martinez‐Ramirez Zenaido , Santos‐López Iván A. , Handy Brent E. , Cárdenas‐Galindo María G. , Fierro‐Gonzalez Juan C.
Published: November 2012

Iron oxide‐supported gold samples were prepared by co‐precipitation from HAuCl4 and Fe(NO3)3. The activities of the samples as CO oxidation catalysts were tested without thermal treatment and following treatments in flows of He and O2 at various temperatures. It was found that the untreated samples and those treated in a flow of He at 150 °C were more active than samples that had been treated at 400 °C in either a flow of O2 or of He. Infrared spectra recorded during CO oxidation catalysis indicate the presence of bonded CO molecules to cationic gold on all samples, whereas spectra of the least active catalysts indicate a predominant presence of Fe2+ carbonyls, which were highly stable under the conditions of our experiments. Our results indicate that in the least active samples the Fe2+‐bound CO blocks sites that would otherwise be available for oxygen activation.
Investigation and Enhancement of the Stability and Performance of Water Reduction Systems based on Cyclometalated Iridium(III) Complexes
Authors: Hansen Sven , Pohl Marga‐Martina , Klahn Marcus , Spannenberg Anke , Beweries Torsten
Published: November 2012

Water reduction systems that use a bis‐cyclometalated IrIII photosensitiser (PS) along with homogeneous Pd complexes as a source of in‐situ‐formed colloidal Pd as the water reducing complex (WRC) and triethylamine (TEA) as the sacrificial electron donor were tested and characterised with respect to their photocatalytic H2 production performance. It was confirmed that substitution of the 2‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)benzen‐1‐ide (pyb) ligand in the well‐known system [Ir(pyb)2(bpy)]+ (bpy=2,2′‐bipyridine) by the fluorinated cyclometalating ligand 5‐fluoro‐2‐(5‐methylpyridin‐2‐yl)benzen‐1‐ide (Fmpyb) tremendously enhanced the H2 production rate. Moreover, variation of the bidentate N^N ligand bpy by alkyl substitution in the 4,4′‐position resulted in an increase in the H2 production yield by a factor of three. The incident‐photon‐to‐hydrogen‐efficiency could be enhanced from 2.6 to 12.3 %. Furthermore, a new dinuclear Co complex was used as a reduction catalyst and showed up to 760 turnovers after 20 h. A detailed study of the concentration impact of all components in the photoredox system was performed. DFT calculations were used to aid the explanation of the findings.
Single immunization with a suboptimal antigen dose encapsulated into polyanhydride microparticles promotes high titer and avid antibody responses
Authors: Huntimer Lucas , Wilson Welder Jennifer H. , Ross Kathleen , Carrillo‐Conde Brenda , Pruisner Lynn , Wang Chong , Narasimhan Balaji , Wannemuehler Michael J. , Ramer‐Tait Amanda E.
Published: November 2012

Microparticle adjuvants based on biodegradable polyanhydrides were used to provide controlled delivery of a model antigen, ovalbumin (Ova), to mice. Ova was encapsulated into two different polyanhydride microparticle formulations to evaluate the influence of polymer chemistry on the nature and magnitude of the humoral immune response after administration of a suboptimal dose. Subcutaneous administration of a single dose of polyanhydride microparticles containing 25 μg of Ova elicited humoral immune responses that were comparable in magnitude to that induced by soluble doses of 400–1600 μg Ova. In contrast, the avidity of the Ova‐specific antibodies was greater in mice administered the microparticle formulations in comparison to the higher soluble doses. Finally, the microparticle delivery system primed an anamnestic immune response as evidenced by the significant increases in Ova‐specific antibody when mice were administered an antigenic challenge of 25 μg of Ova at 12 weeks post‐vaccination. Together, these results indicate that encapsulation of antigens into polyanhydride microparticles facilitates isotype switching, establishes immunologic memory, and the humoral response was characterized by a higher quality antibody response. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 101B: 91–98, 2013.
Porous calcium polyphosphate as load‐bearing bone substitutes: In vivo study
Authors: Pilliar Robert M. , Kandel Rita A. , Grynpas Marc D. , Hu Youxin
Published: November 2012

Porous calcium polyphosphate (CPP) is being investigated for fabrication of novel biodegradable bone substitutes. In this study, porous CPP implants formed by conventional CPP powder packing and using a two‐step sinter/anneal process was used to form 20 and 30 vol % porous samples displaying relatively high strength. These were implanted in rabbit femoral condyle sites to study their ability for secure fixation in prepared sites through bone ingrowth. Porous implants of 20 and 30 vol % porosity and displaying compressive strengths ∼80 and 35 MPa, respectively, were used. Bone ingrowth sufficient to allow secure implant fixation was observed by 6 weeks (∼19% bone ingrowth per available pore space for the 30 vol % and 13% for the 20 vol % porous implants). The results of the in vivo study suggest the potential usefulness of porous CPP as biodegradable bone substitutes/augments in high load‐bearing skeletal regions. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 101B: 1–8, 2013.
Microstructure, mechanical property, corrosion behavior, and in vitro biocompatibility of Zr–Mo alloys
Authors: Zhou F. Y. , Wang B. L. , Qiu K. J. , Li L. , Lin J. P. , Li H. F. , Zheng Y. F.
Published: November 2012

In this study, the microstructure, mechanical properties, corrosion behaviors, and in vitro biocompatibility of Zr–Mo alloys as a function of Mo content after solution treatment were systemically investigated to assess their potential use in biomedical application. The experimental results indicated that Zr–1Mo alloy mainly consisted of an acicular structure of α′ phase, while ω phase formed in Zr–3Mo alloy. In Zr–5Mo alloy, retained β phase and a small amount of precipitated α phase were observed. Only the retained β phase was obtained in Zr–10Mo alloy. Zr–1Mo alloy exhibited the greatest hardness, bending strength, and modulus among all experimental Zr–Mo alloys, while β phase Zr–10Mo alloy had a low modulus. The results of electrochemical corrosion indicated that adding Mo into Zr improved its corrosion resistance which resulted in increasing the thermodynamic stability and passivity of zirconium. The cytotoxicity test suggested that the extracts of the studied Zr–Mo alloys produced no significant deleterious effect to fibroblast cells (L‐929) and osteoblast cells (MG 63), indicating an excellent in vitro biocompatibility. Based on these facts, certain Zr–Mo alloys potentially suitable for different biomedical applications were proposed. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2013.
In vivo validation of 4D flow MRI for assessing the hemodynamics of portal hypertension
Authors: Roldán‐Alzate Alejandro , Frydrychowicz Alex , Niespodzany Eric , Landgraf Ben R. , Johnson Kevin M. , Wieben Oliver , Reeder Scott B.
Published: November 2012

Purpose:

To implement and validate in vivo radial 4D flow MRI for quantification of blood flow in the hepatic arterial, portal venous, and splanchnic vasculature of healthy volunteers and patients with portal hypertension.

Materials and Methods:

Seventeen patients with portal hypertension and seven subjects with no liver disease were included in this Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)‐compliant and Institutional Review Board (IRB)‐approved study. Exams were conducted at 3T using a 32‐channel body coil with large volumetric coverage and 1.4 mm isotropic true spatial resolution. Using postprocessing software, cut‐planes orthogonal to vessels were used to quantify flow (L/min) in the hepatic and splanchnic vasculature.

Results:

Flow quantification was successful in all cases. Portal vein and supraceliac aorta flow demonstrated high variability among patients. Measurements were validated indirectly using internal consistency at three different locations within the portal vein (error = 4.2 ± 3.9%) and conservation of mass at the portal confluence (error = 5.9 ± 2.5%) and portal bifurcation (error = 5.8 ± 3.1%).

Conclusion:

This work demonstrates the feasibility of radial 4D flow MRI to quantify flow in the hepatic and splanchnic vasculature. Flow results agreed well with data reported in the literature, and conservation of mass provided indirect validation of flow quantification. Flow in patients with portal hypertensions demonstrated high variability, with patterns and magnitude consistent with the hyperdynamic state that commonly occurs in portal hypertension. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;37:1100–1108. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Simple Method for evaluating the degree of liver parenchymal enhancement in the hepatobiliary phase of gadoxetic acid‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Tamada Tsutomu , Ito Katsuyoshi , Yamamoto Akira , Yasokawa Kazuya , Higaki Atsushi , Kanki Akihiko , Sato Tomohiro , Taniomoto Daigo , Higashi Hiroki
Published: November 2012

Purpose:

To establish a simple method to evaluate the degree of liver parenchymal enhancement in the hepatobiliary phase (HP) of gadoxetic acid‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Materials and Methods:

Subjects comprised 75 patients with or without chronic liver disease who underwent gadoxetic acid‐enhanced MRI and indocyanine green retention at 15 minutes (ICG‐R15). HP images were used for data analysis. In the quantitative evaluation, liver‐to‐phantom signal intensity (SI) ratio (LPR), liver‐to‐portal vein SI ratio (LPVR), and liver‐to‐kidney SI ratio (LKR) were calculated. In qualitative visual assessment, liver‐to‐portal vein contrast (LPVC) and liver‐to‐kidney contrast (LKC) were assessed using a 5‐point scale (1, hyperintense; 2, slightly hyperintense; 3, isointense; 4, slightly hypointense; 5, hypointense). Statistical evaluations included the Spearman's rank correlation test.

Results:

LPVC and LKC correlated significantly with LPR (ρ = −0.445, P < 0.001; ρ = −0.576, P < 0.001, respectively). LPVC and LKC showed significant correlations with LPVR and LKR (ρ = −0.659, P < 0.001; ρ = −0.674, P < 0.001, respectively). In addition, LPVC and LKC correlated significantly with ICG‐R15 (ρ = 0.696, P < 0.001; ρ = 0.795, P < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion:

LPVC and LKC can be used as simple visual indicators to objectively assess the degree of liver parenchymal enhancement on HP of gadoxetic acid‐enhanced MRI. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;37:1115–1121. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Gas‐phase basicity of 2‐furaldehyde
Authors: Ricci Andreina , Piccolella Simona , Pepi Federico , Patsilinakos Alexandros , Ragno Rino , Garzoli Stefania , Giacomello Pierluigi
Published: November 2012

2‐Furaldehyde (2‐FA), also known as furfural or 2‐furancarboxaldehyde, is an heterocyclic aldehyde that can be obtained from the thermal dehydration of pentose monosaccharides. This molecule can be considered as an important sustainable intermediate for the preparation of a great variety of chemicals, pharmaceuticals and furan‐based polymers. Despite the great importance of this molecule, its gas‐phase basicity (GB) has never been measured. In this work, the GB of 2‐FA was determined by the extended Cooks's kinetic method from electrospray ionization triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometric experiments along with theoretical calculations. As expected, computational results identify the aldehydic oxygen atom of 2‐FA as the preferred protonation site. The geometries of O‐O‐cis and O‐O‐trans 2‐FA and of their six different protomers were calculated at the B3LYP/aug‐TZV(d,p) level of theory; proton affinity (PA) values were also calculated at the G3(MP2, CCSD(T)) level of theory. The experimental PA was estimated to be 847.9 ± 3.8 kJ mol−1, the protonation entropy 115.1 ± 5.03 J mol−1 K−1 and the GB 813.6 ± 4.08 kJ mol−1 at 298 K. From the PA value, a ΔH°f of 533.0 ± 12.4 kJ mol−1 for protonated 2‐FA was derived. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantification of ginsenosides Rh4 and Rk3 in rat plasma by liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry: Application to a pre‐clinical pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Patel Dhavalkumar Narendrabhai , Lin Hai‐Shu , Koh Hwee‐Ling
Published: November 2012

Ginsenoside Rh4 (Rh4) and ginsenoside Rk3 (Rk3) are two active substances isolated from the processed Panax species. To further explore their potential medicinal application, a reliable liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry method (LC/MS/MS) was developed and validated for the quantification of Rh4 and Rk3 in rat plasma. Multiple ion monitoring and multiple reaction monitoring experiments were performed in negative ionization mode. This LC/MS/MS method had good selectivity, sensitivity (lower limit of quantification = 10 ng/mL), precision (intra‐ and inter‐day relative standard deviation ≤ 10.1) and accuracy (analytical recovery within 100 ± 10%). The pharmacokinetic profiles of Rh4 and Rk3 were subsequently assessed in Sprague–Dawley rats. Similar to many other ginsenosides, the oral bioavailability of Rh4 and Rk3 was unfavorable, and Rh4 and Rk3 did not have any measurable plasma exposure after oral administration (20 mg/kg). Fortunately, upon intravenous administration (5 mg/kg), both Rh4 and Rk3 possessed abundant plasma exposure, moderate clearance (Cl = 50.2 ± 7.7 and 23.8 ± 1.4 mL·min−1·kg−1, respectively) and terminal elimination half‐life (t1/2 λZ = 157.2 ± 65.2 and 99.5 ± 37.8 min, respectively). As Rh4 and Rk3 displayed favorable intravenous pharmacokinetic profiles, further exploration on their medicinal application is warranted. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A dimensional approach to measuring anxiety for DSM‐5
Authors: Lebeau Richard T. , Glenn Daniel E. , Hanover Lauren N. , Beesdo‐Baum Katja , Wittchen Hans‐Ulrich , Craske Michelle G.
Published: November 2012

In preparation for DSM‐5's planned inclusion of dimensional assessments of psychopathology as a complement to traditional categorical diagnoses, we developed brief self‐rated scales for anxiety disorders that are consistent in content and structure. In the present paper, we discuss the creation of the scales and examine their psychometric properties and clinical sensitivity. Phase One assessed psychometric properties of the initial versions of the scales in a large non‐clinical sample (n = 702). Phase Two assessed the psychometric properties of revised versions of the scales, including test–retest reliability, in a non‐clinical sample (n = 57). Phase Three examined the scales' psychometric properties and relationship with clinician ratings of disorder severity in a clinical sample (n = 48). The scales demonstrated internal consistency (α = 0.85–0.92), convergent validity (rs = 0.39–0.69), and test–retest reliability in the non‐clinical samples (ICC = 0.51–0.81). In the clinical sample, the scales demonstrated significantly higher total scores than in the non‐clinical sample (Cohen's d = 0.72–1.50) and moderate to high correlations with clinician ratings of disorder severity (r = 0.43–0.82) Although further evaluation and refinement of the scales (particularly the specific phobia and agoraphobia scales) is needed, the results provide preliminary support for the use of these scales in DSM‐5 and thus take an important step toward the integration of standardized dimensional measurement into the diagnosis of anxiety disorders. Copyright © 2012 American Psychiatric Association. All rights reserved.
50 Jahre “Organikum”
Authors: Fanghänel Egon
Published: November 2012

Im Dezember 1962 erschien die erste Auflage des “Organikum — Organisch‐chemisches Grundpraktikum”. Mit über 400 000 Exemplaren in 23 deutschsprachigen und 19 fremdsprachigen Auflagen hat das Buch die universitäre Grundausbildung in organischer Chemie in Deutschland und weit darüber hinaus beeinflusst.
Temperatureinfluss auf Immunoassays
Authors: Schneider Rudolf J. , Grandke Julia
Published: November 2012

Für Immunoassays ist die Temperatur ein wichtiger Parameter, denn sie beeinflusst Empfindlichkeit und Präzision des Tests. Niedrigere Temperaturen erhöhen die Nachweisempfindlichkeit, während bei Raumtemperatur das Messsignal am wenigsten schwankt.
Qualitätsexperte werden
Authors: Pohl Barbara
Published: November 2012

Ein neues Fortbildungsprogramm der GDCh bereitet Hochschulabsolventen und berufserfahrene Chemiker auf Aufgaben in der Qualitätssicherung in der Industrie vor.
Microstructure, crystallization and dynamic mechanical properties of polyamide/clay nanocomposites after melt‐state annealing
Authors: Wan Tong , Du Tao , Wang Biao , Zeng Wei , Clifford Mike
Published: November 2012

Polyamide 6/clay (PA/clay) nanocomposites produced by melt‐compounding were treated under various melt‐state annealing processes. The effect of melt‐state annealing on the microstructure, crystallization, and dynamic mechanical properties was characterized by transmission electron microscope (TEM), modulated differential scanning calorimetry (MDSC), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). Clay layers were exfoliated in PA matrix. The crystalline transformation between α and γ‐crystalline phase was virtually dependent on the annealing process and clay loading. After melt‐state annealing between 230 and 250°C, clay induced the appearance of a new endothermic peak in PA/clay. PA/clay after melt‐state annealing exhibited a higher elastic modulus above Tg and a lower β relaxation below Tg as compared with the non‐annealed sample. FTIR analysis demonstrated that the melt‐state annealing caused strong hydrogen bonding interaction of amide groups with clay layers. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Diabatic processes modifying potential vorticity in a North Atlantic cyclone
Authors: Chagnon J. M. , Gray S. L. , Methven J.
Published: November 2012

Potential vorticity (PV) succinctly describes the evolution of large‐scale atmospheric flow because of its material conservation and invertibility properties. However, diabatic processes in extratropical cyclones can modify PV and influence both mesoscale weather and the evolution of the synoptic‐scale wave pattern. In this investigation, modification of PV by diabatic processes is diagnosed in a Met Office Unified Model (MetUM) simulation of a North Atlantic cyclone using a set of PV tracers. The structure of diabatic PV within the extratropical cyclone is investigated and linked to the processes responsible for it. On the mesoscale, a tripole of diabatic PV is generated across the tropopause fold extending down to the cold front. The structure results from a dipole in heating across the frontal interface due to condensation in the warm conveyor belt flanking the upper side of the fold and evaporation of precipitation in the dry intrusion and below. On isentropic surfaces intersecting the tropopause, positive diabatic PV is generated on the stratospheric side, while negative diabatic PV is generated on the tropospheric side. The stratospheric diabatic PV is generated primarily by long‐wave cooling which peaks at the tropopause itself due to the sharp gradient in humidity there. The tropospheric diabatic PV originates locally from the long‐wave radiation and non‐locally by advection out of the top of heating associated with the large‐scale cloud, convection and boundary layer schemes. In most locations there is no diabatic modification of PV at the tropopause itself but diabatic PV anomalies would influence the tropopause indirectly through the winds they induce and subsequent advection. The consequences of this diabatic PV dipole for the evolution of synoptic‐scale wave patterns are discussed.
The adaptor protein LAT serves as an integration node for signaling pathways that drive T cell activation
Authors: Bartelt Rebekah R. , Houtman Jon C. D.
Published: November 2012

T cells are essential for the adaptive immune response to pathogens. However, dysfunctional T cell activity has been implicated in numerous diseases, including the failure of organ transplants, allergic reactions, asthma, autoimmune disorders, and coronary artery disease. T cell responses to pathogens require the induction of the primary activating receptor, the T cell receptor (TCR), along with other costimulatory and adhesion receptors. Signal transduction pathways activated downstream of these receptors drive T cell responses required for the immune response and disease progression. A key question in our understanding of the mechanism of T cell activation is how signaling pathways emanating from multiple receptors integrate together to alter T cell effector functions. One integration node for intracellular signaling is the membrane‐associated adaptor protein linker for the activation of T cells or LAT. Upon stimulation of the TCR and other receptors, LAT is phosphorylated at several tyrosines residues on its cytoplasmic tail. This leads to the binding of SH2 domain‐containing proteins and their associated molecules and the formation of large multiprotein complexes. These dynamic and highly regulated signaling complexes facilitate the production of second messengers, activate downstream pathways, induce actin cytoskeleton polymerization, and stimulate the activity of multiple transcription factors. Thus, signaling pathways from several receptors feed into LAT, which then integrates this information and selectively induces pathways critical for T cell activation and the adaptive immune response. WIREs Syst Biol Med 2013, 5:101–110. doi: 10.1002/wsbm.1194

This article is categorized under:

Biological Mechanisms > Cell Signaling
A Formal Semantics of Data Flow Diagrams
Authors: Larsen Peter Gorm , Plat Nico , Toetenel Hans
Published: November 2012

This paper presents a formal semantics of data flow diagrams as used in Structured Analysis, based on an abstract model for data flow transformations. The semantics consists of a collection of VDM functions, transforming an abstract syntax representation of a data flow diagram into an abstract syntax representation of a VDM specification. Since this transformation is executable, it becomes possible to provide a software analyst/designer with two ‘views’ of the system being modelled: a graphical view in terms of a data flow diagram, and a textual view in terms of a VDM specification. In this paper emphasis is on the motivation for the choices made in the transformation. The main aspects of the transformation itself are described using annotated VDM functions with some examples.
Properties of Concurrent Programs
Authors: Chandy K. Mani
Published: November 2012

A program property is a predicate on programs. In this paper we explore program properties for safety, progress and parallel composition, of the form
U
⇀
V
where
U
and
V
are either predicates on states of a program or program properties, and ⇀ satisfies three rules that are also enjoyed by implication. We show how such properties can be used to reason about concurrent programs. Our motivation is to explore methods of reasoning based on a very small number of widely-known rules.
Stability, Sequentiality and Demand Driven Evaluation in Dataflow
Authors: Avron Arnon , Sasson Nada
Published: November 2012

We show that a given dataflow language
l
has the property that for any program
P
and any demand for outputs
D
(which can be satisfied) there exists a least partial computation of
P
which satisfies
D
, iff all the operators of
l
are stable. This minimal computation is the demand-driven evaluation of
P
. We also argue that in order to actually implement this mode of evaluation, the operators of
l
should be further restricted to be effectively sequential ones.
Specification, Verification and Prototyping of an Optimized Compiler
Authors: Jifeng He , Bowen Jonathan
Published: November 2012

This paper generalizes an algebraic method for the design of a correct compiler to tackle specification and verification of an optimized compiler. The main optimization issues of concern here include the use of existing contents of registers where possible and the identification of common expressions. A register table is introduced in the compiling specification predicates to map each register to an expression whose value is held by it. We define different kinds of predicates to specify compilation of programs, expressions and Boolean tests. A set of theorems relating to these predicates, acting as a correct compiling specification, are presented and an example proof within the refinement algebra of the programming language is given. Based on these theorems, a prototype compiler in Prolog is produced.
Sharing Analysis Based on Type Inference
Authors: Minamide Yasuhiko
Published: November 2012

This paper presents a framework for sharing analysis based on type inference. The type system used in this paper is a modified version of Milner’s type system. The soundness of the analysis is defined by the semantics of types extended for sharing information and proved with respect to an operational semantics for a strict language. It is also shown that the information obtained by the analysis can be applied to compile-time garbage collection.
Automatizing Parametric Reasoning on Distributed Concurrent Systems
Authors: Inverardi Paola , Priami Corrado , Yankelevich Daniel
Published: November 2012

There can be different views of a concurrent distributed system, depending on who observes it. The final user may just want to know how the system behaves in terms of its possible sequences of actions, while the designer may want to know what are the sequential components of a system or how are they distributed in space. In other words, there is not a widely accepted single semantic model for concurrent systems. This paper describes a parametric verification tool for process description languages. It performs a symbolic execution of processes at different levels of abstraction and verifies deadlock and reachability properties. The tool also provides facilities to check behavioural equivalences. In addition to the classical interleaving semantics, truly concurrent approaches based on the notion of causality and locality are considered. This allows us to compare the expressive power of different models within the same environment. In this respect, we have verified many of the examples given in the literature using our tool.
Precision measurement of the neutrino velocity with the ICARUS detector in the CNGS beam
Authors:   The ICARUS collaboration, Antonello M. , Baibussinov B. , Benetti P. , Boffelli F. , Calligarich E. , Canci N. , Centro S. , Cesana A. , Cieslik K. , Cline D. B. , Cocco A. G. , Dabrowska A. , Dequal D. , Dermenev A. , Dolfini R. , Farnese C. , Fava A. , Ferrari A. , Fiorillo G. , Gibin D. , Gninenko S. , Guglielmi A. , Haranczyk M. , Holeczek J. , Ivashkin A. , Kisiel J. , Kochanek I. , Lagoda J. , Mania S. , Menegolli A. , Meng G. , Montanari C. , Otwinowski S. , Piazzoli A. , Picchi P. , Pietropaolo F. , Plonski P. , Rappoldi A. , Raselli G. L. , Rossella M. , Rubbia C. , Sala P. , Scantamburlo E. , Scaramelli A. , Segreto E. , Sergiampietri F. , Stefan D. , Stepaniak J. , Sulej R. , Szarska M. , Terrani M. , Varanini F. , Ventura S. , Vignoli C. , Wang H. G. , Yang X. , Zalewska A. , Zani A. , Zaremba K. , Alvarez Sanchez P. , Biagi L. , Barzaghi R. , Betti B. , Bernier L.-G. , Cerretto G. , De Gaetani C. , Esteban H. , Feldmann T. , Gonzalez Cobas J. D. , Passoni D. , Pettiti V. , Pinto L. , Serrano J. , Spinnato P. , Visconti M. G. , Wlostowski T.
Published: November 2012

Abstract

During May 2012, the CERN-CNGS neutrino beam has been operated for two weeks for a total of ~1.8 × 1017 p.o.t., with the proton beam made of bunches, few ns wide and separated by 100 ns. This beam structure allows a very accurate time of flight measurement of neutrinos from CERN to LNGS on an event-by-event basis. Both the ICARUS-T600 PMT-DAQ and the CERN-LNGS timing synchronization have been substantially improved for this campaign, taking advantage of additional independent GPS receivers, both at CERN and LNGS as well as of the deployment of the “White Rabbit” protocol both at CERN and LNGS. The ICARUS-T600 detector has collected 25 beam-associated events; the corresponding time of flight has been accurately evaluated, using all different time synchronization paths. The measured neutrino time of flight is compatible with the arrival of all events with speed equivalent to the one of light: the difference between the expected value based on the speed of light and the measured value is δt = tof

c

−tof

ν
 = 0.10 ± 0.67stat. ± 2.39syst. ns. This result is in agreement with the value previously reported by the ICARUS Collaboration, δt = 0.3 ± 4.9stat. ± 9.0syst. ns, but with improved statistical and systematic accuracy.