bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Dioxane Template for Highly Selective Epoxy Alcohol Cyclizations
Authors: Mousseau James J. , Morten Christopher J. , Jamison Timothy F.
Published: June 2013

Ladder polyether natural products are a class of natural products denoted by their high functional‐group density and large number of well‐defined stereocenters. They comprise the toxic component of harmful algal blooms (HABs), having significant negative economic and environmental ramifications. However, their mode of action, namely blocking various cellular ion channels, also denotes their promise as potential anticancer agents. Understanding their potential mode of biosynthesis will not only help with developing ways to limit the damage of HABs, but would also facilitate the synthesis of a range of analogs with interesting biological activity. 1,3‐Dioxan‐5‐ol substrates display remarkable ‘enhanced template effects’ in water‐promoted epoxide cyclization processes en route to the synthesis of these ladder polyether natural products. In many cases, they provide near complete endo‐to‐exo selectivity in the cyclization of epoxy alcohols, thereby strongly favoring the formation of tetrahydropyran (THP) over tetrahydrofuran (THF) rings. The effects of various Brønsted and Lewis acidic and basic conditions are explored to demonstrate the superior selectivity of the template over the previously reported THP‐based epoxy alcohols. In addition, the consideration of other synthetic routes are also considered with the goal of gaining rapid access to a plethora of potential starting materials applicable towards the synthesis of ladder polyethers. Finally, cascade sequences with polyepoxides are investigated, further demonstrating the versatility of this new reaction template.
Metal Amides as the Simplest Acid/Base Catalysts for Stereoselective Carbon–Carbon Bond‐Forming Reactions
Authors: Yamashita Yasuhiro , Kobayashi Shū
Published: June 2013

In this paper, new possibilities for metal amides are described. Although typical metal amides are recognized as strong stoichiometric bases for deprotonation of inert or less acidic hydrogen atoms, transition‐metal amides, namely silver and copper amides, show interesting abilities as one of the simplest acid/base catalysts in stereoselective carbon–carbon bond‐forming reactions.
Improved Photovoltaic Performance of MEH‐PPV/PCBM Solar Cells via Incorporation of Si Nanocrystals
Authors: Yan Quanxiang , Zuo Lijian , Gu Zhuowei , Yang Ligong , Wang Rong , Wang Mang , Chen Hongzheng
Published: June 2013

We have studied the effect of silicon nanocrystals (SiNCs) as a third component on performance of organic bulk heterojunction solar cells composed of poly[2‐methoxy,5‐(2′‐ethylhexyloxy)‐1,4‐phenylene vinylene] (MEH‐PPV):[6,6]‐phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) blend film. By adding suitable amounts of SiNCs into MEH‐PPV:PCBM blend, the device performance such as external quantum efficiency, short circuit current density (JSC), and power conversion efficiency (PCE) improved. Incorporation of 2.5% SiNCs in the blend led to 13.6% improvement of JSC, which in turn resulted in 18% improvement of PCE up to 2.28%. The improved performance was mainly due to the improvements both in the charge generation from the interface of MEH‐PPV/SiNCs and the charge collection at the cathode.
Solvent‐free Synthesis of Hexagonal Iron Sulfide Nanoflowers
Authors: Wang Xia , Zhou Wenhui , Chang Zhixian , Zhou Zhengji , Wu Sixin
Published: June 2013

Employing green and economic solvent‐free synthesis route, hexagonal iron sulfide (Fe7S8) nanoflowers were successfully synthesized for the first time. In the experiment, ferric hexadecylxanthate was used as the precursor, and hexagonal iron sulfide (Fe7S8) nanoflowers were obtained by thermal decomposition of the precursor at 260°C without any additional solvent or inert gas protection. The as‐prepared iron sulfide nanoflowers were characterized by means of X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS). The characterization results indicated that the nanoflowers had uniform size distribution with an average size of about 160 nm. The proposed strategy provides a possible general route for the synthesis of other metal chalcogenide nanostructures.
Cytarabine, Ki‐67, and SOX11 in patients with mantle cell lymphoma receiving rituximab‐containing autologous stem cell transplantation during first remission
Authors: Chakhachiro Zaher I. , Saliba Rima M. , Okoroji Grace‐Julia , Korbling Martin , Alousi Amin M. , Betul Oran , Anderlini Paolo , Ciurea Stefan O. , Popat Uday , Champlin Richard , Samuels Barry I. , Medeiros L. Jeffrey , Bueso‐Ramos Carlos , Khouri Issa F.
Published: June 2013

BACKGROUND

In the current study, the authors report the results of 39 patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) who were treated with chemotherapy and high‐dose rituximab‐containing autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) during their first disease remission.

METHODS

The median age of the patients was 54 years. At the time of diagnosis, 87% of patients had Ann Arbor stage IV disease, and 77% had bone marrow involvement. A Ki‐67 level of > 30% was found in 11 of 27 patients (40%), and SOX11 (SRY [sex determining region Y)‐box 11] expression was found to be positive in 17 of 18 patients (94%). Twenty‐seven patients (69%) underwent induction therapy with high‐dose cytarabine‐containing chemotherapy. Rituximab was administered during stem cell collection at a dose of 1000 mg/m2 on days +1 and +8 after ASCT.

RESULTS

The estimated 4‐year overall survival and progression‐free survival rates were 82% and 59%, respectively. Twelve patients experienced disease recurrence. Fifteen of 16 patients who were alive and in complete remission at 36 months remained so at a median follow‐up of 69 months (range, 38 months‐145 months). The only determinant of recurrence risk found was a Ki‐67 level of > 30%. Seven of 11 patients with a Ki‐67 level > 30% experienced disease recurrence within the first 3 years versus only 3 of 16 patients with a Ki‐67 level ≤ 30% (P = .02). Patients who received high‐dose cytarabine did not have a significantly different risk of developing disease recurrence compared with other patients (P = .7).

CONCLUSIONS

Administering ASCT with rituximab during stem cell collection and immediately after transplantation may induce a continuous long‐term disease remission in patients with MCL with a Ki‐67 level of ≤ 30%. Cancer 2013;119:3318–25. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Mass Spectrometry and Gas‐Phase Chemistry of Bismuth–Oxido Clusters
Authors: Sattler Dominik , Schlesinger Maik , Mehring Michael , Schalley Christoph A.
Published: June 2013

The mass spectrometric characterisation of bismuth–oxido clusters is described together with tandem mass spectrometric experiments aimed at investigating their gas‐phase chemistry. Clusters with different ligand shells (nitrate, salicylates, and methacrylate) and different sizes ({Bi6O8}, {Bi22O26}, and {Bi38O45}) were selected for this study. The following aspects were addressed by (tandem) electrospray ionisation Fourier‐transform ion‐cyclotron‐resonance (ESI‐FTICR) mass spectrometry: 1) Electrospray ionisation was used successfully for the generation of intact cluster ions, but led to rather complicated distributions of charge states and solvent adducts. The cluster core remained intact. 2) Mass spectrometry was used to follow the cluster growth from {Bi6O8} to {Bi22O27} and finally {Bi38O45} clusters. These experiments revealed that careful tuning of the conditions is required to avoid precipitates forming that hamper ESI ionisation. The stages of growth strongly depend on the experimental conditions. 3) Fragmentation experiments in the gas phase performed with the {Bi22O27} clusters obtained in the growth experiments resulted in the preferential formation of {Bi6O8} fragments and point to the particular stability of this cluster and its role in cluster growth. 4) Solution‐phase ligand‐exchange reactions on {Bi22O26} salicylate clusters were qualitatively monitored by mass spectrometry, but were limited by the complicated ion series formed that led to overlapping isotope patterns. 5) A number of fragmentation reactions occurred within the ligand shell when the clusters surrounded by an organic ligand shell were subjected to infrared multiphoton dissociation experiments. 6) For the nitrate clusters, fragmentation within the core was observed yielding {Bi6O8} fragments together with the corresponding clusters of reduced size.
Dynamic detection of non‐protein‐bound strychnine and brucine in rabbit muscle and synovial fluid after topical application of total Strychnos alkaloid patches
Authors: Tang Huaibo , Yan Miao , Li Huande , Xun Tianrong , Deng Yang , Zhao Yeye , Deng Long
Published: June 2013

Semen Strychni, a known toxic drug in Chinese pharmacopoeia, is notable for its therapeutic effects on local muscle and joint pain. However, oral administration can be risky. Topically administered drugs accumulate in the topical muscles and knee joints without any major increase in plasma levels; only non‐protein‐bound drugs in the biological fluids of target tissues are effective for therapeutic effects. A sensitive and rapid ultra performance liquid chromatography ‐ mass spectrometry (UPLC‐MS) method coupled with a microdialysis technique was developed to determine the non‐protein‐bound strychnine (Str) and brucine (Bru) in rabbit muscle and synovial fluid microdialysate. The UPLC separation was carried out using a 1.7μm BEH C18 column (50 mm × 2.1 mm) with a mobile phase consisting of methanol: water (29.5:70.5, v/v) with 0.1% formic acid and 20 mM ammonium acetate in water. The method was validated at concentrations ranging from 0.58 ng/ml to 467.20 ng/ml for Str and from 0.42 ng/ml to 422.40 ng/ml for Bru. Intra‐day and inter‐day accuracy ranged from 99.1% to 103.2% for Str and from 95.8% to 108.8% for Bru with intra‐day and inter‐day precision within 9.7%. The proposed method was successfully applied to determine non‐protein‐bound Str and Bru, and the analysates concentration remained stable in rabbit muscle and synovial fluid after topical application of total Strychnos alkaloid patches, which indicated that total Strychnos alkaloid patches could substitute for the traditional oral administration of Semen Strychni. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fast and precise positioning using sequential adaptive feedforward compensation for disturbance
Authors: Maebashi Wataru , Ito Kazuaki , Iwasaki Makoto
Published: June 2013

This paper presents a performance improvement for trajectory tracking for fast‐response and high‐precision positioning using sequential adaptive compensation for disturbances. A mathematical disturbance model formulated and parametrized by an iterative learning process can estimate the actual disturbance, and the model can be sequentially adapted using the recursive least squares method so that it shows adaptivity to disturbance variations. The proposed positioning control approach involving disturbance modeling and compensation has been verified by experiments using a linear motor‐driven table system. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 184(4): 52–63, 2013; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.22280
Investigation of partial discharge characteristics induced by X‐ray irradiation in artificial cavity in epoxy resin
Authors: Higashiyama Masakazu , Takada Hajime , Hayashi Masayuki , Kozako Masahiro , Hikita Masayuki , Nakamura Shuhei , Umemura Tokihiro , Nakamura Yusuke , Hirose Tatsuya
Published: June 2013

It is crucial for proper insulation design of cast resin transformers to consider voids and delamination which might exist in cast molding because of several surface boundaries between resin and conductor. Such defects in the insulator lead to reduction of the life of the apparatus. This paper deals with an investigation of the relation between the void size and apparent charge of partial discharge (PD) occurring in a model simulating the insulation system of a cast resin transformer by applying X‐ray irradiation to the sample. The relation between the void size and PD inception voltage and the phase resolved PD pattern are also investigated. The effect of attenuation of the X‐ray irradiation dose on the time lag to PD initiation was also discussed. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 184(4): 1–9, 2013; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.22418
A method for load frequency control using battery in power system with highly penetrated photovoltaic generation
Authors: Nagoya Hiroyuki , Komami Shintaro , Ogimoto Kazuhiko
Published: June 2013

It is generally believed that large battery systems will be needed to store surplus electric energy due to the high penetration of renewable energy (RE) such as photovoltaic generation (PV). Since the main objective of high penetration of RE is to reduce CO2 emissions, reducing kWh output of thermal generation that emits large amounts of CO2 in power systems should be sufficiently considered. However, thermal generation plays an important role in load frequency control (LFC) of power systems. Therefore, if LFC could be performed with batteries and hydropower generation, the kWh output of thermal generation could be reduced significantly. This paper presents a method of LFC using batteries in a power system with highly penetrated PVs. An assessment of the effect of the proposed method considering mutual smoothing effect of highly penetrated PVs is made. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 184(4): 22–31, 2013; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.22425
Connecting [4Fe–4S] Clusters and Hemes – Towards Modeling the Active Site of Sulfite Reductase
Authors: Gerlach Deidra L. , Coucouvanis Dimitri , Lehnert Nicolai
Published: June 2013

In this paper, we present a new design for biologically inspired models for the active site of assimilatory sulfite and nitrite reductases (aSIR and aNIR), which consists of a siroheme that is directly linked to a [4Fe–4S] cubane cluster. The individual components used here to construct this model are a site‐differentiated [4Fe–4S] cluster, a bifunctional bridging ligand, and a metalloporphyrin. We have prepared two new site‐differentiated clusters, [Fe4S4(TriS)(SPy)] and [Fe4S4(TriS)(SEtIm)], which contain pyridine and imidazole linkers for the binding to a metalloporphyrin, and characterized these compounds, using UV/Vis, IR, and 1H‐NMR spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry (CV), and mass spectrometry. Titration experiments where then performed by using [Zn(TPP)] (TPP2– = meso‐tetraphenylporphyrin dianion) and corresponding fluorinated derivatives to find the best [4Fe–4S]–heme combination for an optimal binding of the two components in solution. Excitingly, our results demonstrate the formation of the desired [4Fe–4S]–heme catalytic arrays in solution with high specificity. The best combination of cubane cluster and metalloporphyrin for future catalyst development corresponds to the complex (Bu4N)2[M(To‐F2PP)–{Fe4S4(TriS)(SEtIm)}] {To‐F2PP2– = meso‐tetra(ortho‐difluorophenyl)porphyrin dianion}. The binding between these components with M = Zn2+ was further confirmed by CV. Thus, we have created a new type of biologically inspired model system for the aSIR and aNIR active site that leads to a robust attachment of the individual components in solution.
Examples of Different Reactions of Benzylsulfanyl‐Substituted Alkynes with Selected Complexes of TiII and CoI
Authors: Altenburger Kai , Semmler Julia , Arndt Perdita , Spannenberg Anke , Meel Matthias J. , Villinger Alexander , Seidel Wolfram W. , Rosenthal Uwe
Published: June 2013

Reactions of the group 4 metallocene alkyne complexes [Cp2M(L)(btmsa)] (Cp = η5‐cyclopentadienyl = η5‐C5H5, btmsa = η2‐Me3SiC2SiMe3; 1: M = Ti, L = none; 2: M = Zr, L = pyridine) and of the [(triphos)CoI] moiety [triphos = 1,1,1‐tris(diphenylphosphanylmethyl)ethane] with the benzylsulfanyl‐substituted acetylenes PhCH2S–C2–SCH2Ph (3) and PhCH2S–C2–SFmoc (4) (Fmoc = fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl) have been investigated. Complex 1 reacted with 3 to give a mixture of a violet solid and [Cp2Ti(SCH2Ph)2] (5). Subsequently, the violet solid transformed in toluene at 70 °C into the dinuclear complex [(Cp2Ti)2(μ‐κ2‐κ2‐BnSC4SBn)] (6) displaying two [Cp2Ti] moieties bridged by a 1,4‐bis(benzylsulfanyl)‐1,3‐butadiyne in the trans configuration. Complex 6 was further degraded in toluene at 100 °C to the tetranuclear cluster [CpTiS]4 (7). Similar reactivity was deduced indirectly for the reaction partners 1/4 and 2/3. For CoI, the side‐on alkyne complexes [(triphos)Co(3)](PF6) (9‐PF6) and [(triphos)Co(4)](PF6) (10‐PF6) were obtained. Reductive removal of the benzyl groups in 9‐PF6 and subsequent coordination of the [Cp(PPh3)RuII]+ moiety led to the dinuclear complex [(triphos)Co(μ‐η2‐κ2‐C2S2)RuCp(PPh3)] (13) displaying acetylene dithiolate (acdt2–) in a side‐on carbon–sulfur chelate coordination mode. In contrast, the reaction of 10‐PF6 with piperidine under very mild conditions resulted in the thio‐alkyne complex [(triphos)Co(PhCH2SC2S)] (11) bearing a terminal sulfur substituent at the coordinated alkyne. However, a subsequent rearrangement reaction led to the CoIII dithiolene complex [(triphos)Co{S2C2(NC5H10)(CH2Ph)}](PF6) (14‐PF6). The intricate rearrangement very likely involves a dinuclear Co species with a η2‐κ2 coordination of the C2S2 moiety.
Structural Basis for Enantioselectivity in the Transfer Hydrogenation of a Ketone Catalyzed by an Artificial Metalloenzyme
Authors: Cherrier Mickaël V. , Engilberge Sylvain , Amara Patricia , Chevalley Alice , Salmain Michèle , Fontecilla‐Camps Juan C.
Published: June 2013

The crystal structure of bovine β‐lactoglobulin bound to a complex consisting of a (η5‐Cp*)Rh(2,2′‐dipyridylamine) head and a lauric acid derived hydrophobic tail has been solved at 1.85 Å resolution. Previous work has shown that this hybrid catalyzes the transfer hydrogenation of an aryl ketone in neat water with formate as hydrogen donor with enantiomeric excess (ee) of about 26 %. Calculations using the X‐ray model indicate that the complex head can adopt discrete conformations, which may explain the ee observed.
Synthesis of Nitroalkenes Involving a Cooperative Catalytic Action of Iron(III) and Piperidine: A One‐Pot Synthetic Strategy to 3‐Alkylindoles, 2H‐Chromenes and N‐Arylpyrrole
Authors: Jalal Swapnadeep , Sarkar Soumen , Bera Krishnendu , Maiti Sukhendu , Jana Umasish
Published: June 2013

An efficient and simple strategy has been developed to synthesize various substituted nitroalkenes involving a cooperative catalytic system of FeCl3 and piperidine. This dual catalytic protocol simultaneously activates both electrophile and nucleophile and works under mild reaction conditions so that many sensitive functional groups were tolerated. Moreover, this cooperative catalytic reaction is also suitable for various one‐pot reactions involving nitroalkenes such as, 2H‐chromenes, N‐arylpyrrole and Michael reaction with indole. Notably, this method is low‐cost, efficient and environmentally friendly.
Direct Iodination of Isoindolines and Isoindoline Nitroxides as Precursors to Functionalized Nitroxides
Authors: Fairfull‐Smith Kathryn E. , Debele Emmanuel A. , Allen Jesse P. , Pfrunder Michael C. , McMurtrie John C.
Published: June 2013

A new method for the direct aryl iodination of isoindolines and isoindoline nitroxides that utilizes periodic acid and potassium iodide in sulfuric acid is presented. Di‐iodo functionalized tetramethyl and tetraethyl isoindolines and a di‐iodo tetramethyl isoindoline nitroxide were prepared in high yield (70–82 %). The analogous mono‐iodo species were afforded in modest yield (34–48 %). Iodinated nitrones were also obtained from a tetraethyl isoindoline nitroxide.
Adsorption of buffer ion pairs can alter long‐term electroosmotic flow stability
Authors: Morris Ashley L. , Harrison Christopher R.
Published: June 2013

Dynamic capillary coatings have become widespread due to their efficacy in modifying the EOF in capillary electrophoretic separations and ability to limit unwanted analyte‐surface interactions. However, our understanding of exactly what types of interactions are taking place at the surface of a capillary when these dynamic additives are present is limited. In this work, we have chosen a simple, small molecule additive, tetramethylammonium to examine its influence on the EOF under typical separation conditions. What we have revealed is that this simple compound does not interact with the capillary surface in a very simple manner. Our initial hypothesis of a direct ionic interaction with the silanol surface has evolved with evidence of complex ion pairing between the silanols, the tetramethylammonium, and the buffer ions. This ion pairing can result in drastic changes in the EOF over time, and that the EOF can only be restored to initial levels with harsh rinses containing sodium hydroxide.
Sheathless capillary electrophoresis electrospray ionization‐mass spectrometry interface based on poly(dimethylsiloxane) membrane emitter and thin conducting liquid film
Authors: Wang Che‐Wei , Her Guor‐Rong
Published: June 2013

This study develops a sheathless CE‐MS interface using a robust PDMS membrane emitter and liquid‐film electric conduction. A 3D mold was constructed for casting the device by using a one‐step casting procedure. The interface consisted of a 125 μm‐thick triangular emitter with a 50 μm‐diameter microchannel, a conducting reservoir, and a 375 μm‐diameter channel for assembling the separation capillary. The separation capillary was inserted into the 375 μm channel and connected to the emitter through the conducting reservoir. The electric contact for the CE outlet was established through a conductive liquid film in the space between the capillary terminus and the 375 μm channel. The one‐step casting procedure and using a membrane emitter instead of a tapered emitter produced an easily fabricated and robust interface. A stable electrospray was obtained from 30 to 350 nL/min. Analyzing a five‐peptide mixture in low‐EOF (60 nL/min) and high‐EOF (210 nL/min) conditions demonstrated the utility of the interface.
Challenging the limits of detection of sialylated Thomsen–Friedenreich antigens by in‐gel deglycosylation and nano‐LC‐MALDI‐TOF‐MS
Authors: Almeida Andreia , Ferreira José A. , Teixeira Filipe , Gomes Catarina , Cordeiro M. Natália D. S. , Osório Hugo , Santos Lúcio Lara , Reis Celso A. , Vitorino Rui , Amado Francisco
Published: June 2013

The identification of sialylated Thomsen–Friedenreich antigens in proteins poses much interest in the context of cancer research. MALDI‐TOF‐MS is a powerful technique for this purpose; still it shows considerable low sensitivity for sialylated molecules due to in‐source and metastable decomposition. Herein, we report a target‐driven strategy to identify these antigens in minute amounts of glycoproteins isolated in polyacrylamide gels. The glycans were recovered from gel spots by reductive β‐elimination, permethylated and analyzed by nano‐LC‐MALDI‐TOF‐MS. A computational algorithm was developed to filter spectral noise and enhance/isolate the signals of interest. Sialylated antigens were identified in minute amounts of fetuin (0.1 μg) and plasminogen (1.0 μg) by this approach.MS assignments were further validated by enzymatic methods. This methodology allowed a fivefold decrease in the current LOD of fetuin sialylated O‐glycans by MALDI‐TOF‐MS.
Small‐scale magnetic fields on the lunar surface inferred from plasma sheet electrons
Authors: Harada Yuki , Machida Shinobu , Saito Yoshifumi , Yokota Shoichiro , Asamura Kazushi , Nishino Masaki N. , Tsunakawa Hideo , Shibuya Hidetoshi , Takahashi Futoshi , Matsushima Masaki , Shimizu Hisayoshi
Published: June 2013

The origins of the lunar crustal magnetic fields remain unclear although dozens of magnetic field measurements have been conducted on and above the lunar surface. A major obstacle to resolving this problem is the extreme difficulty of determining a surface distribution of small‐scale magnetization. We present a new technique to map small‐scale magnetic fields using nonadiabatic scattering of high‐energy electrons in the terrestrial plasma sheet. Particle tracing, utilizing three‐dimensional lunar magnetic field data synthesized from magnetometer measurements, enables us to separate the contributions to electron motion of small‐ and large‐scale magnetic fields. We map significant kilometer‐scale magnetic fields on the southwestern side of the South Pole‐Aitken basin that are correlated with larger‐scale magnetization. This implies that kilometer‐scale magnetization may be ubiquitous over the lunar surface and related to the large‐scale magnetization.
Validity of the PICCOLO Tool in Child Care Settings: Can it Assess Caregiver Interaction Behaviors?
Authors: Norman Vonda Jump , Christiansen Katie
Published: June 2013

Childcare quality has been investigated widely over the past 30 years, as increasingly more evidence has emerged that shows that children's developmental outcomes are influenced by the quality of care that they receive in group‐care settings. The current emphasis on quality‐improvement ratings in childcare provides a unique measurement challenge to ensure accountability for the care of our young children, with a noticeable lack of attention to caregiver interactions with children. The purpose of the current study is to investigate an easy‐to‐use measure that might address this oversight. The Parenting Interactions with Children: Checklist of Observations Linked to Outcomes (PICCOLO) tool has been shown to be reliable and valid for use with parents and was used in the current study to determine whether the PICCOLO, when used to observe caregiver–child interactions in group‐care settings, is correlated with other common measures of childcare quality, including the family of Environment Rating Scales (Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale‐Revised (T. Harms, R.M. Clifford, & D. Cryer, 2005), the Family Child Care Rating Scale‐Revised (T. Harms, D. Cryer, & R.M. Clifford, 2007), or the Infant/Toddler Environment Rating Scale‐Revised (T. Harms, D. Cryer, & R.M. Clifford, 2006).and the Arnett Caregiver Interaction Scales (J. Arnett, 1989). Two hundred seven providers were observed for a mean of 2.87 hr (172 min). Results indicate that the PICCOLO is a valid tool to measure caregiver interaction with children in a childcare situation.
Longitudinal variation of macroinvertebrate communities in a Mediterranean river subjected to multiple anthropogenic stressors
Authors: Manfrin Alessandro , Larsen Stefano , Traversetti Lorenzo , Pace Giorgio , Scalici Massimiliano
Published: June 2013

River impoundments and waste water discharge are a serious threat to the integrity and biodiversity of river ecosystems, especially in central Italy. Benthic macroinvertebrates were sampled in autumn and summer along the Aniene River to assess the cumulative biological effect of the numerous dams and sewage treatment plants that affect its middle and lower course. We hypothesized that (i) increasing habitat impairment would promote the formation of nestedness in species assemblage, where species poor locations support only a sub‐set of organisms from richer sites; (ii) specific life‐history traits would confer sensitivity to habitat degradation. Patterns of macroinvertebrate richness and diversity along the river tracked the distribution of dams and sewage treatment plants. Partial Mantel test showed that dissimilarity in assemblages increased with the number of dams and treatment plants between reaches after controlling for longitudinal distance. Assemblages were significantly nested, and nestedness appeared related to both water quality gradients (phosphorous, turbidity) that reflected anthropogenic inputs, and to natural gradient in altitude. Reaches with nested assemblages (supporting a sub‐set of the species pool) were characterized by greater representations of taxa with shorter life cycles, while, in contrast, species rich sites supported taxa with longer life cycles and lower dispersal ability. These results suggest that the cumulative effect of dams and sewage treatment plants promoted the formation of nested subsets in species distribution. Moreover, it appeared that certain functional traits that conferred sensitivity also dictated the progressive non‐random loss of taxa in face of multiple anthropogenic stressors. These findings have conservation implications in the regions, but need to be considered preliminary since anthropogenic and natural factors co‐varied systematically along the study river precluding the identification of single factor effects.
A Meta-Analysis of the Association of Fracture Risk and Body Mass Index in Women
Authors: Johansson Helena , Kanis John A , Odén Anders , McCloskey Eugene , Chapurlat Roland D , Christiansen Claus , Cummings Steve R , Diez-Perez Adolfo , Eisman John A , Fujiwara Saeko , Glüer Claus-C , Goltzman David , Hans Didier , Khaw Kay-Tee , Krieg Marc-Antoine , Kröger Heikki , LaCroix Andrea Z , Lau Edith , Leslie William D , Mellström Dan , Melton L Joseph , O'Neill Terence W , Pasco Julie A , Prior Jerilynn C , Reid David M , Rivadeneira Fernando , van Staa Tjerd , Yoshimura Noriko , Zillikens M Carola
Published: June 2013

Several recent studies suggest that obesity may be a risk factor for fracture. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between body mass index (BMI) and future fracture risk at different skeletal sites. In prospective cohorts from more than 25 countries, baseline data on BMI were available in 398,610 women with an average age of 63 (range, 20–105) years and follow up of 2.2 million person-years during which 30,280 osteoporotic fractures (6457 hip fractures) occurred. Femoral neck BMD was measured in 108,267 of these women. Obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) was present in 22%. A majority of osteoporotic fractures (81%) and hip fractures (87%) arose in non-obese women. Compared to a BMI of 25 kg/m2, the hazard ratio (HR) for osteoporotic fracture at a BMI of 35 kg/m2 was 0.87 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.85–0.90). When adjusted for bone mineral density (BMD), however, the same comparison showed that the HR for osteoporotic fracture was increased (HR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.09–1.23). Low BMI is a risk factor for hip and all osteoporotic fracture, but is a protective factor for lower leg fracture, whereas high BMI is a risk factor for upper arm (humerus and elbow) fracture. When adjusted for BMD, low BMI remained a risk factor for hip fracture but was protective for osteoporotic fracture, tibia and fibula fracture, distal forearm fracture, and upper arm fracture. When adjusted for BMD, high BMI remained a risk factor for upper arm fracture but was also a risk factor for all osteoporotic fractures. The association between BMI and fracture risk is complex, differs across skeletal sites, and is modified by the interaction between BMI and BMD. At a population level, high BMI remains a protective factor for most sites of fragility fracture. The contribution of increasing population rates of obesity to apparent decreases in fracture rates should be explored. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Thermal Challenge Severity Differentially Influences Wound Healing in Wood Duck (Aix sponsa) Ducklings
Authors: Carter A.W. , DuRant S.E. , Hepp G.R. , Hopkins W.A.
Published: June 2013

Environmental conditions during early development can profoundly influence an individual's phenotype. Development requires simultaneous maturation and orchestration of multiple physiological systems creating the potential for interaction among key systems and requiring substantial resources. We investigated the influence of thermoregulation on immunocompetence in Wood Duck ducklings (Aix sponsa). At both 1 and 2 days post hatch (dph) we evaluated ducklings' abilities to thermoregulate during a thermal challenge at one of four temperatures (36 [thermoneutral controls], 20, 10, or 5°C). At 3 dph, ducklings received a superficial wound, which was monitored until full recovery to quantify wound healing ability, an ecologically relevant, integrative measure of immune function. We demonstrated that duckling body temperature decreased with increasing thermal challenge severity, thermoregulatory ability increased with age, and thermoregulation had temperature‐dependent effects on the immune system. Specifically, a more severe thermal challenge (5°C) resulted in decreased immune performance when compared to a mild challenge (20°C). We conclude that early thermoregulatory experiences are influential in shaping immune responses early in development. Furthermore, our results emphasize that future studies of environmental stressors need to consider multiple physiological endpoints since interaction among systems can result in competing physiological demands. J. Exp. Zool. 319A: 422–429, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A mathematical model for meandering rivers with varying width
Authors: Frascati Alessandro , Lanzoni Stefano
Published: June 2013

The mathematical modeling of the long‐term evolution of meandering rivers needs an efficient computation of the flow field. Indeed, the estimate of the near bank velocity, needed to determine the rate at which the outer bank migrates, cannot rely on the full numerical solution of the governing equations when considering the river evolution on geological time scales. The aim of the present contribution is twofold: determining the complete linear response of a meandering river to spatially varying channel axis curvature and width, exploiting the ability of the model to describe the morphological tendencies of alluvial rivers; and developing a computationally efficient tool that can be easily incorporated in long‐term planform evolution models. The centrifugally induced secondary flow associated with channel axis curvature and longitudinal convection is accounted for by a suitable parametrization based on the structure of the three‐dimensional flow field. Cross section width variations are accounted for through a suitable stretching of the transverse coordinate. The relevant momentum and mass conservation equations are then linearized by taking advantage of the fact that alluvial rivers often exhibit mild and long meander bends, as well as evident but relatively small width variations. The input data needed by the analytical solution are the spatial distribution of channel axis curvature and width variations, the mean slope of the investigated river reach, the characteristic grain size of the sediment bed and the flow discharge. The performances of the model, as well as its intrinsic limitations are discussed with reference to the comparison with the bed topography surveyed in a 21 km long reach of the Po River. The results indicate that, in the presence of wide, mildly curved and long bend and weak width variations, the river topography is described with a good accuracy, thus supporting the use of the model to investigate how a river could react to changes in planform geometry or external forcing. Moreover, the analytical character of the model implies a limited computational effort, facilitating a straightforward integration within the models used to simulate the planimetric evolution of alluvial rivers on geological time scales.
Inversion for the density‐depth profile of polar firn using a stepped‐frequency radar
Authors: Arthern Robert J. , J. Corr Hugh F. , Gillet‐Chaulet Fabien , Hawley Robert L. , Morris Elizabeth M.
Published: June 2013

Translating satellite measurements of ice sheet volume change into sea level contribution requires knowledge of the profile of density as a function of depth within the ice sheet and how this profile changes over time. This paper describes an interferometric method of inverting ground‐penetrating radar returns for the profile of firn density as a function of depth. The method is an interferometric implementation of the common‐midpoint approach, performed using a stepped‐frequency, phase‐sensitive ground‐penetrating radar. By recording the phase difference of returns with a range of antenna separations, the different path lengths through the firn allow recovery of a smoothed representation of the density profile. This density model is characterized by three parameters: surface density and two decay lengths for porosity, each operating over a different density range. Our results suggest that the stepped‐frequency radar used here can accurately recover differences in two‐way traveltime and produce useful estimates of the density profile. In a test of the method performed at Summit station in Greenland, the recovered density‐depth profile agreed with independent density measurements from an ice core and a neutron probe to within 6% root‐mean‐square error.
Collaboration for the common good: An examination of challenges and adjustment processes in multicultural collaborations
Authors: Dibble Rebekah , Gibson Cristina
Published: June 2013

Multicultural collaborations are temporary entities that are not embedded in a single organizational context but yet complete tasks such as building a house or making a film with the involvement of people from multiple cultures. Although they share characteristics of multicultural teams, they lack many of the mechanisms that teams embedded in organizations have at the ready to enable navigation of key challenges. Not much is known about how they cope. Using an inductive approach, this study addresses four critical questions with respect to multicultural collaborations. First, we sought to identify the most common challenges that multicultural collaborations face. Second, we wanted to understand how multicultural collaborations react to those challenges. Third, we examined the role of collaboration heterogeneity in the adjustment process. Finally, we wanted to know whether adjustment facilitates collaboration performance. We examined these issues using comprehensive field data from 16 multicultural humanitarian home‐building collaborations that ranged in their degree of cultural heterogeneity. Our analysis highlights many important aspects of multicultural collaborative work. First, adjustment processes were critical in coping with their lack of organizational embeddedness. Second, collaborations utilize a range of both internal and external strategies for adjusting. Third, when collaborations experience challenges related to the way members work with each other, cultural differences may contribute to the ability to make important adjustments. Finally, when significant challenges existed, adjustment processes were related to performance in multicultural collaborations, yet overadjustment was detrimental, suggesting the importance of careful calibration of adjustment strategies to the magnitude and nature of challenges that exist. Our findings have implications for theories of team processes and culture, as well as practical implications for working across cultures. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Scatter: a novel family of miniature inverted‐repeat transposable elements in the fungus Botrytis cinerea
Authors: Deng Hongyuan , Shu Dan , Luo Di , Gong Tao , Sun Fenghui , Tan Hong
Published: June 2013

Miniature inverted‐repeat transposable elements (MITEs) are short non‐autonomous DNA transposons that play an important role in genome structure and function. Here, we described a novel family of MITEs, named Scatter, identified from the genomes of three strains of the fungus Botrytis cinerea (T4, B05.10, and TBC‐A). Intact Scatter elements are typically an average of 247 bp, and contain 41 bp terminal inverted repeats (TIRs) and 2‐bp “TA” target site duplications (TSDs). Based a search against the transposable elements database and GenBank, Scatter is a novel and potentially species‐specific family of MITEs. Moderate heterogeneity in sequence and size of individual Scatter copies suggests that Scatter elements were not recently proliferated. Most integrated sites were conserved across all three strains tested and elements inserted at equivalent sites shared high identity at the nucleotide level. This conservation, in combination with the presence of a similar copy number (22–24), in B. cinerea strains tested suggests that Scatter may be a relic of an ancient transposition developed prior to the strain divergence of B. cinerea. Two unique insertion instances were observed, indicating that some copies of Scatter may have remained active following strain divergence of B. cinerea. Because only a few subtle insertion differences among B. cinerea strains were observed, Scatter may play only a minor role in the genetic diversity in B. cinerea species. Most Scatter elements appear to be inserted in potential regulatory regions of adjacent coding regions, highlighting their role in transcriptional regulation. The origin of Scatter remains to be addressed. Scatter is the first well‐characterized family of MITEs in B. cinerea.
Optimization of electroporation conditions for toyocamycin producer Streptomyces diastatochromogenes 1628
Authors: Ma Zheng , Liu Jinxiu , Shentu Xuping , Bian Yalin , Yu Xiaoping
Published: June 2013

Because of its structural similarity to nucleoside, toyocamycin exhibits potential of wide application and various biological activities. Streptomyces diastatochromogenes 1628, capable of producing toyocamycin, has exhibited a potential biocontrol effect in inhibiting the development of phytopathogens in the agriculture field. An efficient transformation system is a prerequisite for genetic and molecular study of S. diastatochromogenes 1628. In this study, we optimized experimental factors involved in the electroporation transformation process. Key features of this procedure, including collection of cells at the mid‐log phase stage and the treatment of cells with lysozyme and penicillin G prior to the electroporation and recovery medium and time, produced the greatest increase in the efficiency and consistency of results. The transformation efficiency also depends on field strength, cell concentration, and plasmid DNA quantity. Under the optimal conditions, a maximal efficiency of (3 ± 0.4) × 104 µg−1 DNA was obtained. The development of transformation method for S. diastatochromogenes 1628 will foster genetic manipulation of this important strain.
Thermostable lipase fromGeobacillussp. Iso5: Bioseparation, characterization and native structural studies
Authors: Mahadevan Gurumurthy D. , Neelagund Shivayogeeswar E
Published: June 2013

The extracellular thermoalkaline lipase fromGeobacillussp. Iso5 was purified to homogeneity by ultrafiltration, 6% cross‐linked agarose and Phenyl spehrose HIC column chromatography. The final purified lipase resulted in 8.7‐fold with 6.2% yield. The relative molecular weight of the enzyme was determined to be a monomer of 47 kDa by SDS–PAGE and MALDI‐TOF MS/MS spectroscopy. The purified enzyme exhibit optimum activity at 70 °C and pH 8.0. The enzyme retained above 90% activity at temperatures of 70 °C and about 35% activity at 85 °C for 2 h. However, the stability of the enzyme decreased at the temperature over 90 °C. The enzyme activity was promoted in the presence of Ca2+and Mg2+and strongly inhibited by HgCl2, PMSF, DTT, K+, Co2+, and Zn2+. EDTA did not affect the enzyme activity. The secondary structure of purified lipase contains 36% α‐helix and 64% β‐sheet which was determined by Circular dichromism, FTIR, and Raman Spectroscopy.
Internal pressure of human meniscal root attachments during loading
Authors: Abraham Adam C. , Villegas Diego F. , Kaufman Kenton R. , Haut Donahue Tammy L.
Published: June 2013

This study investigated the internal fluid pressure of human cadaver meniscal root attachments. A pressure micro‐sensor was implanted inside each attachment site. Tibiofemoral joints were compressed to 2× body weight at various flexion angles and pressure recorded for 20 min. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) was then transected and joints retested. Lastly, a longitudinal incision of the lateral posterior (LP) horn was made and the joint retested. Ramp pressure was defined as the pressure when 2× body weight was reached, and equilibrium pressure was recorded at the end of the hold period. The medial posterior (MP) attachment was subjected to greater ramp pressure than the medial anterior (p = 0.002) and greater equilibrium pressure than all other root attachment sites (p < 0.001). Flexion angle had a significant effect on pressure as full extension was greatest at ramp (p = 0.040). Transection of the ACL decreased ramp pressure in the LP attachment (p = 0.025) and increased equilibrium pressure (p = 0.031) in the MP attachment. The results suggest that repair strategies should be developed which reconstruct the MP attachments to be sufficient to withstand large pressures. Furthermore, since meniscal pressure is highest at full extension, this fact should be considered when prescribing rehabilitation following repair of an attachment. © 2013 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31:1507–1513, 2013
Residual effects of organic Zn fertilizers applied before the previous crop on Zn availability and Zn uptake by flax (Linum usitatissium)
Authors: Almendros Patricia , Gonzalez Demetrio , Alvarez Jose M.
Published: June 2013

The objective of this study was to compare the residual effect of zinc (Zn) from three Zn chelates (Zn‐aminelignosulfonate, Zn‐AML; Zn‐polyhydroxyphenylcarboxylate, Zn‐PHP; and Zn‐ethylenediaminedisuccinate, Zn‐EDDS), applied at two rates (5 and 10 mg Zn [kg soil]–1, respectively) to a previous crop, for a flax crop (Linum usitatissimum L.). For the greenhouse experiment, two different soils were used: a weakly acidic soil, classified as Typic Haploxeralf (Soilacid), and a calcareous soil, classified as Typic Calcixerept (Soilcalc). Plant availability of soil Zn was evaluated using the DTPA‐triethanolamine (TEA), Mehlich 3, and low‐molecular‐weight organic acids (LMWOAs) methods. Easily leachable Zn was determined, and soil Zn status was characterized based on the Zn distribution in different fractions obtained by a sequential extraction. The Zn reserves after the previous crop were substantial and ranged from 2.85% to 5.61% of available Zn (Mehlich 3‐extractable) with respect to the applied Zn. Plant parameters such as dry‐matter yield, total Zn, and soluble Zn concentrations were measured, and Zn utilization by plants was calculated. In both soils, the highest concentrations of available Zn were associated with the application of Zn‐AML at a rate of 10 mg Zn kg–1. In Soilacid the largest quantity of easily leachable Zn was also observed with Zn‐AML fertilizer. Similarly, Zn‐AML resulted in the highest Zn concentration in flax seeds (229 mg Zn kg–1 and 72 mg Zn kg–1 for the highest rate of Zn application to Soilacid and Soilcalc, respectively). The results suggest that these Zn chelates resulted in a residual effect in soils with appropriate concentrations of the most labile fractions of Zn and available Zn, particularly when Zn‐AML was applied at the highest rate. This chelate was more effective in Soilacid than in Soilcalc. In the weakly acidic soil at the lowest Zn level it was associated with the highest percentage of Zn utilization by the flax plant and the most effective Zn transfer from soil to the plant.