bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contextualism in Ethics
Authors: Björnsson Gunnar
Published: January 2013

There are various ways in which context matters in ethics. Most clearly, the context in which an action is performed might determine whether the action is morally right: though it is often wrong not to keep a promise, it might be permissible in certain contexts. More radically, proponents of moral particularism (
see
Particularism) have argued that a reason for an action in one context is not guaranteed to be a reason in a different context: whether it is a reason against an act that it breaks a promise or inflicts pain might depend on the particulars of the situation. In moral epistemology, Timmons (1999: Ch. 5) argues that whether a moral judgment is epistemically responsible depends both on the basic moral outlook of the moral judge and on whether the context of judgment is one of engaged moral thinking, or one of distanced, skeptical reflection. In the former, the judge's basic moral outlook can serve to justify the judgment; not so in the latter (
see
Epistemology, Moral).
Colonialism and Postcolonialism
Authors: Butt Daniel
Published: January 2013

Much of the history of international relations is characterized by the violent attempts of one community to subjugate another. In 1955, Aimé Césaire wrote of the “great historical tragedy” that befell Africa in its encounter with European colonialism, an encounter that led Césaire to conclude that “Europe is responsible before the human community for the highest heap of corpses in human history” (2000: 45). A range of important ethical issues emerges from a consideration of the past interaction between colonizing and colonized peoples, both in the African context and elsewhere in the world. This article first seeks to describe the key characteristics of colonialism as a system of domination and subjugation, before considering the legitimacy of contemporary judgments on the morality of historical colonialism. It then examines how the particular character of colonialism complicates arguments relating to the rectification of injustice. It concludes by asking what lessons those interested in ethics can learn from the diverse body of work produced by writers in the postcolonial tradition.
Realism, Moral
Authors: Sayre‐McCord Geoffrey
Published: January 2013

Moral realists maintain (1) that in making moral judgments – for instance, that cruelty is wrong or generosity required or justice a virtue – people are purporting to report moral facts (and not just expressing their tastes or preferences) and (2) that there are such facts to report, so that some such claims are actually true and the world is, really, in those cases as claimed.
Honor
Authors: Sessions William Lad
Published: January 2013

Honor is an ancient concept that has been extensively studied from a descriptive point of view, but also one that has fallen into normative purgatory, or worse. Honor does have an undeniable dark side: a long history and a present surfeit of violence, snobbery, patriarchy, and much else. It is no wonder that many today deny, ignore, or dismiss honor's
normativity
(
see
Normativity). It seems to be a concept others use but we must only observe. Yet, life remains in these old bones: even if honor remains morally problematic, it may still have lessons to teach contemporary ethicists about what might be called “quasi‐moral normative concepts.”
Polymer Brush Electrets
Authors: Ma Xinlei , Xie Zhuang , Liu Zhilu , Liu Xuqing , Cao Tingbing , Zheng Zijian
Published: January 2013

The charge storage properties of polymer brushes are reported for the first time. Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) brushes are explored as electrets to store electrostatic charges. Micrometer‐ and nanometer‐scale patterns of electrostatic charges are successfully fabricated on planar and non‐planar PMMA brush films by means of conductive microcontact printing and atomic force microscope lithography, where the charge storage density and stability are studied in detail with Kelvin force microscopy. Importantly, because PMMA brushes are chemically tethered on the substrate, their charge storage properties can be studied in various organic solvents, in which their bulk counterparts will be dissolved. It is found that patterned charges on PMMA brushes are stable enough in organic media, such as hexane and toluene, for guiding the assembly of Au nanoparticles in organic media and the dewetting of polymer thin films with solvent annealing. The electrets properties shall add a new dimension of functionality, apart from the conventional chemical and physical properties, to polymer brushes for a wide range of applications in materials science, nanotechnology, and electronic devices.
α‐Tocopherol binding to human serum albumin
Authors: Fanali Gabriella , Fasano Mauro , Ascenzi Paolo , Zingg Jean‐Marc , Azzi Angelo
Published: January 2013

Given the ability of human serum albumin (HSA) to bind hydrophobic ligands, the binding mode of α‐tocopherol, the most representative member of the vitamin E family, is reported. α‐Tocopherol binds to HSA with K
$_{\rm d}^0$
= (7.0 ± 3.0) × 10−6 M (pH 7.2, 25.0°C). Competitive and allosteric modulation of α‐tocopherol binding to full‐length and truncated (Asp1‐Glu382) HSA by endogenous and exogenous ligands suggests that it accommodates preferentially in the FA3–FA4 site. As HSA is taken up into cells, colocalizes with the α‐tocopherol transfer protein, and contributes to ligand secretion via ABCA1, it might participate in the distribution of α‐tocopherol between plasma, cells, and tissues. © 2013 BioFactors, 2013
Interactions of several single nucleotide polymorphisms and high body mass index on serum lipid traits
Authors: Yin Rui‐Xing , Wu Dong‐Feng , Miao Lin , Htet Aung Lynn Htet , Cao Xiao‐Li , Yan Ting‐Ting , Long Xing‐Jiang , Liu Wan‐Ying , Zhang Lin , Li Meng
Published: January 2013

The interactions between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and high body mass index (BMI) on serum lipid profiles are limited. This study was undertaken to detect the interactions of 10 SNPs and high BMI on serum lipid traits in an isolated population. A total of 978 normal BMI (<24 kg/m2) and 751 high BMI (≥24 kg/m2) subjects of Bai Ku Yao were randomly selected from our previous stratified randomized cluster samples. Genotypes of rs2066715, rs1044925, low density lipoprotein receptor (LDL‐R) Ava∥, rs2070895, rs2000813, rs1801133, rs3757354, rs505151, rs2016520, and rs5888 SNPs were determined by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism combined with gel electrophoresis, and then confirmed by direct sequencing. The interactions were detected by factorial design covariance analysis. The genotypic and allelic frequencies of rs2070895 and rs505151 were different between normal and high BMI subjects, the genotypic frequency of rs2000813 and allelic frequency of rs3757354 were also different between normal and high BMI subjects (P < 0.01). The levels of total cholesterol (TC), apolipoprotein (Apo) A1 (rs2066715); TC, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), ApoA1, ApoB, and ApoA1/ApoB (rs2070895); triglyceride (TG), high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C), and ApoA1 (rs2000813); TC, HDL‐C, LDL‐C, ApoA1, and ApoB (rs1801133); HDL‐C and ApoA1 (rs3757354) in normal BMI subjects were different among the genotypes (P < 0.01). The levels of LDL‐C, ApoB, and ApoA1/ApoB (rs2066715); HDL‐C, ApoA1, ApoB, and ApoA1/ApoB (rs2070895); TC, HDL‐C, ApoA1, and ApoB (rs2000813); TC, TG, HDL‐C, LDL‐C, ApoA1, and ApoB (rs1801133); TC, TG, and ApoB (rs3757354); TG (rs505151); TG and ApoA1 and ApoB (rs2016520); and TC, HDL‐C, LDL‐C, ApoA1, and ApoB (rs5888) in high BMI subjects were also different among the genotypes (P < 0.01). The SNPs of rs2066715 (LDL‐C and ApoA1/ApoB); rs2070895 (TC, LDL‐C, ApoA1, and ApoB); rs2000813 (ApoB); rs1801133 (TC, TG, and LDL‐C); rs3757354 (TC and TG); rs505151 (TG, HDL‐C, ApoB, and ApoA1/ApoB); rs2016520 (TG and ApoA1/ApoB); and rs5888 (TG, ApoA1, and ApoB) interacted with high BMI to influence serum lipid levels (P < 0.01). The differences in serum lipid levels between normal and high BMI subjects might partly result from different interactions of several SNPs and high BMI. © 2013 BioFactors, 2013
Propolis extract promotes translocation of glucose transporter 4 and glucose uptake through both PI3K‐ and AMPK‐dependent pathways in skeletal muscle
Authors: Ueda Manabu , Hayashibara Kaori , Ashida Hitoshi
Published: January 2013

It is well known that propolis has the ability to prevent hyperglycemia. However, the underlying mechanism is not yet fully understood. We therefore investigated whether a Brazilian propolis ethanol extract affects glucose uptake and translocation of insulin‐sensitive glucose transporter (GLUT) 4 in skeletal muscle cells. In L6 myotubes, the extract at 1 μg/mL significantly promoted GLUT4 translocation and glucose uptake activity. Regarding the mechanism of GLUT4 translocation, propolis extract induced both PI3K and AMPK phosphorylation in a dose‐dependent manner in L6 myotubes. However, we could not define which pathway was preferentially associated with GLUT4 translocation, because both PI3K and AMPK inhibitors revealed off‐target effects to each other. The main polyphenols found in the propolis extract, artepillin C, coumaric acid, and kaempferide, promoted GLUT4 translocation in L6 myotubes. Additionally, these compounds activated both PI3K‐ and AMPK‐dependent dual‐signaling pathways. However, only kaempferide increased glucose uptake activity under our experimental conditions. Single oral administrations of propolis extract, at 250 mg/kg body weight, lowered postprandial blood glucose levels in ICR mice. The extract promoted GLUT4 translocation in skeletal muscle of rats and mice, but did not inhibit α‐glucosidase activity in the small intestine under our experimental conditions. It was confirmed that propolis extract promoted phosphorylation of both PI3K and AMPK in rat skeletal muscle. In conclusion, we show that Brazilian propolis has the potential to prevent hyperglycemia through the promotion of GLUT4 translocation in skeletal muscle and that kaempferide is one of the candidates for active compound in propolis. © 2013 BioFactors, 39(4):457–466, 2013
Problem‐solving Test: Analysis of DNA Damage Recognizing Proteins in Yeast and Human Cells
Authors: Szeberényi József
Published: January 2013

Terms to be familiar with before you start to solve the test: DNA repair, germline mutation, somatic mutation, inherited disease, cancer, restriction endonuclease, radioactive labeling, [α‐32P]ATP, [γ‐32P]ATP, DNA ligase, polynucleotide kinase, DNA polymerase, terminal transferase, DNA helicase, UV‐irradiation, pyrimidine dimer, base modifications, mismatch, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, autoradiography, molecular hybridization, satellite DNA, nucleosomes. © 2012 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 41(1):52–54, 2013
Variants of the supplying vessels of the vascularized iliac bone graft and their relationship to important surgical landmarks
Authors: Ghassemi Alireza , Furkert Robert , Prescher Andreas , Riediger Dieter , Knobe Matthias , O'dey Dan , Gerressen Marcus
Published: January 2013

The iliac bone crest is one of the most valuable regions for harvesting bone grafts, both vascularized and nonvascularized. Since the first commendable description of this region as a possible source for vascularized bone flaps by Taylor, little relevant information concerning the variations of the deep circumflex iliac vessels and their relationship to the neighboring structures has been published. The purpose of the current study was to examine this region clinically and anatomically, taking into consideration the former description by Taylor. We gathered all our findings on 216 iliac regions and proposed a new classification. In addition we measured the relationships between the deep circumflex iliac artery and important surgical landmarks. A comparison of our finding with other studies showed similarities and differences but was far more complete. Generally (92%) the deep circumflex iliac artery (DCIA) originated from external iliac artery (EIA) behind the inguinal ligament (IL) and passed cranio‐laterally toward the anterior superior iliac spine, where it divided into two important branches. Four variations were observed of the DCIA. The deep circumflex iliac vein (DCIV) ran over (82.5%) or under (17.5%) the EIA. The superficial circumflex iliac vein (SCIV) was observed draining into the DCIV in some dissections. Three different variations of the superficial circumflex iliac artery (SCIA) were observed. The anatomical knowledge of these variations and their correlation to important surgical landmarks can help in harvesting the DCIA flap more safely and thus increasing the success rate while reducing donor site morbidity. Clin. Anat., 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Faldaprevir combined with pegylated interferon alfa-2a and ribavirin in treatment-naïve patients with chronic genotype1 HCV: SILEN-C1 trial
Authors: Sulkowski Mark S. , Asselah Tarik , Lalezari Jacob , Ferenci Peter , Fainboim Hugo , Leggett Barbara , Bessone Fernando , Mauss Stefan , Heo Jeong , Datsenko Yakov , Stern Jerry O. , Kukolj George , Scherer Joseph , Nehmiz Gerhard , Steinmann Gerhard G. , Böcher Wulf O.
Published: January 2013

Faldaprevir (BI 201335) is a potent, hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS3/4A protease inhibitor with pharmacokinetic properties supportive of once-daily (QD) dosing. Four hundred and twenty-nine HCV genotype (GT)-1 treatment-naïve patients without cirrhosis were randomized 1:1:2:2 to receive 24 weeks of pegylated interferon alfa-2a and ribavirin (PegIFN/RBV) in combination with placebo, faldaprevir 120 mg QD with 3 days of PegIFN/RBV lead-in (LI), 240 mg QD with LI, or 240 mg QD without LI, followed by an additional 24 weeks of PegIFN/RBV. Patients in the 240 mg QD groups achieving maintained rapid virologic response (mRVR; viral load [VL] <25 IU/mL at week 4 and undetectable at weeks 8-20) were rerandomized to cease all treatment at week 24 or continue receiving PegIFN/RBV up to week 48. VL was measured by Roche TaqMan. Sustained virologic response (SVR) rates were 56%, 72%, 72%, and 84% in the placebo, faldaprevir 120 mg QD/LI, 240 mg QD/LI, and 240 mg QD groups. Ninety-two percent of mRVR patients treated with faldaprevir 240 mg QD achieved SVR, irrespective of PegIFN/RBV treatment duration. Eighty-two percent of GT-1a patients who received faldaprevir 240 mg QD achieved SVR versus 47% with placebo. Mild gastrointestinal disorders, jaundice resulting from isolated unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia, and rash or photosensitivity were more common in the active groups than with placebo. Discontinuations resulting from adverse events occurred in 4%, 11%, and 5% of patients treated with 120 mg QD/LI, 240 mg QD/LI, and 240 mg QD of faldaprevir versus 1% with placebo.

Conclusion:

Faldaprevir QD with PegIFN/RBV achieved consistently high SVR rates with acceptable tolerability and safety at all dose levels. The 120 and 240 mg QD doses are currently undergoing phase 3 evaluation.
Referral and receipt of treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma in United States veterans: Effect of patient and nonpatient factors
Authors: Davila Jessica A. , Kramer Jennifer R. , Duan Zhigang , Richardson Peter A. , Tyson Gia L. , Sada Yvonne H. , Kanwal Fasiha , El-Serag Hashem B.
Published: January 2013

The delivery of treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) could be influenced by the place of HCC diagnosis (hospitalization versus outpatient), subspecialty referral following diagnosis, as well as physician and facility factors. We conducted a study to examine the effect of patient and nonpatient factors on the place of HCC diagnosis, referral, and treatment in Veterans Administration (VA) hospitals in the United States. Using the VA Hepatitis C Clinical Case Registry, we identified hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients who developed HCC during 1998-2006. All cases were verified and staged according to Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) criteria. The main outcomes were place of HCC diagnosis, being seen by a surgeon or oncologist, and treatment. We examined factors related to these outcomes using hierarchical logistic regression. These factors included HCC stage, HCC surveillance, physician specialty, and facility factors, in addition to risk factors, comorbidity, and liver disease indicators. Approximately 37.2% of the 1,296 patients with HCC were diagnosed during hospitalization, 31.0% were seen by a surgeon or oncologist, and 34.3% received treatment. Being seen by a surgeon or oncologist was associated with surveillance (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.47; 95% CI: 1.20-1.80) and varied by geography (1.74;1.09-2.77). Seeing a surgeon or oncologist was predictive of treatment (aOR = 1.43; 95% CI: 1.24-1.66). There was a significant increase in treatment among patients who received surveillance (aOR = 1.37; 95% CI: 1.02-1.71), were seen by gastroenterology (1.65;1.21-2.24), or were diagnosed at a transplant facility (1.48;1.15-1.90).

Conclusion :

Approximately 40% of patients were diagnosed during hospitalization. Most patients were not seen by a surgeon or oncologist for treatment evaluation and only 34% received treatment. Only receipt of HCC surveillance was associated with increased likelihood of outpatient diagnosis, being seen by a surgeon or oncologist, and treatment. (Hepatology 2013;)
European perspective of ecosystem services and related policies
Authors: Dunbar Martha Bonnet , Panagos Panos , Montanarella Luca
Published: January 2013

In this article, we focus on the importance of terrestrial ecosystems and the services they provide. European Union policies, contributing to the conservation and maintenance of ecosystem services in Europe are discussed and their current impacts briefly reviewed in the light of the main challenges that European ecosystems might face in the near future. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2013; 9: 231–236. © 2013 SETAC
β1 integrins mediate resistance to ionizing radiation in vivo by inhibiting c‐Jun amino terminal kinase 1
Authors: Goel Hira Lal , Sayeed Aejaz , Breen Michael , Zarif Matthew J. , Garlick David S. , Leav Irwin , Davis Roger J. , FitzGerald Thomas J. , Morrione Andrea , Hsieh Chung‐Cheng , Liu Qin , Dicker Adam P. , Altieri Dario C. , Languino Lucia R.
Published: January 2013

This study was carried out to dissect the mechanism by which β1 integrins promote resistance to radiation. For this purpose, we conditionally ablated β1 integrins in the prostatic epithelium of transgenic adenocarcinoma of mouse prostate (TRAMP) mice. The ability of β1 to promote resistance to radiation was also analyzed by using an inhibitory antibody to β1, AIIB2, in a xenograft model. The role of β1 integrins and of a β1 downstream target, c‐Jun amino‐terminal kinase 1 (JNK1), in regulating radiation‐induced apoptosis in vivo and in vitro was studied. We show that β1 integrins promote prostate cancer (PrCa) progression and resistance to radiation in vivo. Mechanistically, β1 integrins are shown here to suppress activation of JNK1 and, consequently apoptosis, in response to irradiation. Downregulation of JNK1 is necessary to preserve the effect of β1 on resistance to radiation in vitro and in vivo. Finally, given the established crosstalk between β1 integrins and type1 insulin‐like growth factor receptor (IGF‐IR), we analyzed the ability of IGF‐IR to modulate β1 integrin levels. We report that IGF‐IR regulates the expression of β1 integrins, which in turn confer resistance to radiation in PrCa cells. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that β1 integrins mediate resistance to ionizing radiation through inhibition of JNK1 activation. J. Cell. Physiol. 228: 1601–1609, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Molecular biomarkers as potential targets for therapeutic strategies in human testicular germ cell tumors: An overview
Authors: Chieffi Paolo , Chieffi Sergio
Published: January 2013

Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs), the most common malignancy in males between 15 and 34 years of age and the most frequent cause of death from solid tumors in this age group. TGCTs can be subdivided into seminoma and non‐seminoma germ cell tumors (NSGCTs), including embryonal cell carcinoma, choriocarcinoma, yolk sac tumor, and teratoma. Seminomas and NSGCTs do not only present distinctive clinical features, but they also show significant differences as far as therapy and prognosis are concerned. Seminomas are highly sensitive to both radiation and chemotherapy, with a good prognosis, non‐seminomas are sensitive to platinum‐based combination chemotherapy and are less susceptible to radiation, with the exception of teratomas. The different therapeutic outcome might be explained by inherent properties of the cells from which testicular neoplasia originate. The unique treatment sensitivity of TGCTs is unexplained so far, but it is likely to be related to intrinsic molecular characteristics of the PGCs/gonocytes, from which these tumors originate. Many discovered bio‐markers including OCT3/4, SOX2, SOX17, HMGA1, HMGA2, PATZ1, GPR30, Aurora B, estrogen receptor β, and others have given further advantages to discriminate between histological subgroups. In addition, therapeutic approaches for the treatment of TGCTs have been proposed: humanized antibodies against receptors/surface molecules on cancer cells, inhibitors of serine–threonine, and tyrosine kinases, and others. The mini‐review will be an overview on the molecular alterations identified in TGCTs and on novel targeted antineoplastic strategies that might help to treat chemotherapy resistant TGCTs. J. Cell. Physiol. 228: 1641–1646, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sonographic confirmation of the correct placement of a nasoenteral tube in a woman with hyperemesis gravidarum: Case report
Authors: Swartzlander Ty K. , Carlan S. J. , Locksmith Greg , Elms Luke
Published: January 2013

Hyperemesis gravidarum is a serious systemic disorder of pregnant women characterized by intractable vomiting resulting in metabolic, biochemical, and hematologic changes. Enteral nutrition has been used successfully and has a lower complication rate than parenteral nutrition. Tube feeding requires location of the feeding tube tip before the infusion of nutritional substance is started. We report a case of assisted feeding tube tip location using real time sonography in a pregnant women treated for hyperemesis gravidarum. Sonographic examination may be used as an alternative to x‐ray for the confirmation of feeding tube location in pregnant women and thus eliminate exposure of the fetus to ionizing radiation. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 41:18–21, 2013
Ionic Liquid‐Mediated Facile Synthesis of Novel Spiroheterobicyclic Rings as Potential Antifungal and Antibacterial Drugs
Authors: Dandia Anshu , Jain Anuj K.
Published: January 2013

A pseudo four‐component reaction of urea or thiourea, diverse aryl aldehydes, and 3‐methyl‐1‐phenyl‐2‐pyrazolin‐5‐one in ionic liquids yields novel azaspiro[4.5]decene derivatives. However, the corresponding reaction in volatile organic solvents gives Knoevenagel adduct as a major product with little amount of the title compound. Interestingly, the expected pyrimidine derivative was not formed in any case. The advantageous features of this methodology are the environmentally benign character, operational simplicity, high yield processing, and easy handling without any catalyst. All the compounds were subjected to in vitro antimicrobial screening against a panel of pathogenic strains of bacteria and fungi. Some of the compounds were found to be equipotent or more potent than the commercial antibiotics.
Improved Synthesis of 2‐Chloro‐3‐amino‐4‐methylpyridine
Authors: Zhao Qian , Chen Han‐Geng , Qian Chao , Chen Xin‐Zhi
Published: January 2013

2‐Chloro‐3‐amino‐4‐methylpyridine (1), a key intermediate in the synthesis of nervirapine, was prepared from 2‐cyanoacetamide and 4,4‐dimethoxyl‐2‐butanone via condensation, cyclization, one‐pot reaction of chlorination and hydrolysis, and Hofmann reaction. Utilization of the quadratic orthogonal test resulted in a high yield (62.1%) of the whole process.
Halogenated Quinolines as Substrates for the Palladium‐Catalyzed Cross‐Coupling Reactions to Afford Substituted Quinolines
Authors: Mphahlele Malose J. , Lesenyeho Lehlohonolo G.
Published: January 2013

The use of palladium complexes in catalyzing the cross‐coupling of halogenated quinolines with various organometalic reagents has led to the development of radically new methods of synthesizing novel substituted quinoline derivatives. The focus of this review is on the application of the following palladium‐catalyzed reactions of halogenated quinolines with organometalic reagents to afford substituted quinoline derivatives: Kumada, Stille, Negishi, Sonogashira, Suzuki, Heck, and Hiyama cross‐coupling reactions.
Synthesis of Some New [1,8]Naphthyridine, Pyrido[2,3‐d]‐Pyrimidine, and Other Annulated Pyridine Derivatives
Authors: El‐Adasy Abu‐Bakr A. A. M. , Khames Ahmed A. , Gad‐Elkareem Mohamed A. M.
Published: January 2013

2‐Aminopyridine‐3‐carbonitrile derivative 1 reacted with each of malononitrile, ethyl cyanacetate, benzylidenemalononitrile, diethyl malonate, and ethyl acetoacetate to give the corresponding [1,8]naphthyridine derivatives 3, 5, 8, 11, and 14, respectively. Further annulations of 3, 5, and 8 gave the corresponding pyrido[2,3‐b][1,8]naphthyridine‐3‐carbonitrile derivative 17, pyrido[2,3‐h][1,6]naphthyridine‐3‐carbonitrile derivatives 18 and 19, respectively. The reaction of 1 with formic acid, formamide, acetic anhydride, urea or thiourea, and 4‐isothiocyanatobenzenesulfonamide gave the pyridopyrimidine derivatives 20a,b, 21, 22a,b, and 26, respectively. Treatment of compound 1 with sulfuric acid afforded the amide derivative 27. Compound 27 reacted with 4‐chlorobenzaldehyde and 1H‐indene‐1,3(2H)‐dione to give the pyridopyrimidine derivative 28 and spiro derivative 30, respectively. In addition, compound 1 reacted with halo compounds afforded the pyrrolopyridine derivatives 32 and 34. Finally, treatment of 1 with hydrazine hydrate gave the pyrazolopyridine derivative 35. The structures of the newly synthesized compounds were established by elemental and spectral data.
A Novel Approach for the Synthesis of 5‐Pyridylindolizine Derivatives via 2‐(2‐Pyridyl)pyridinium Ylides
Authors: Georgescu Emilian , Dumitrascu Florea , Georgescu Florentina , Draghici Constantin , Barbu Loredana
Published: January 2013

New indolizine derivatives were synthesized by an efficient one‐pot three‐component procedure starting from commercially available materials such as 2,2′‐dipyridyl, substituted bromoacetophenones, and electron‐poor alkynes in 1,2‐epoxybutane as reaction solvent and acid scavenger.
Reactivation of occult hepatitis B virus infection following cytotoxic lymphoma therapy in an anti‐HBc negative patient
Authors: Feeney Susan A. , McCaughey Conall , Watt Alison P. , Agnaf Moulod R. El , McDougall Neil , Wend Ulrike C. , Gerlich Wolfram H. , Coyle Peter V.
Published: January 2013

Screening hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antigen (HBsAg) and HBV core antibody (anti‐HBc) is recommended prior to cytotoxic or immunosuppressive therapy. This case describes an anti‐HBc negative, DNA positive occult HBV infection in a 71‐year‐old Caucasian male following rituximab‐based treatment for follicular lymphoma. Pre‐screening serology indicated negative HBsAg and anti‐HBc. However, following sequential treatment cycles the patient developed weak HBsAg with a low HBV DNA load (<1,000 IU/ml), but remained anti‐HBc negative. The DNA load peaked 5 months later (>1 × 106 IU/ml) and he was subsequently treated with Tenofovir. Currently the patient remains anti‐HBc negative, and is anti‐HBe negative, anti‐HBs negative, HBeAg positive. No clinical or biochemical evidence of hepatitis has occurred. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis identified the HBV genosubtype as D4, most probably acquired some years ago during a stay in Papua New Guinea, in spite of prior hepatitis B vaccination. Four amino acid substitutions were detected within the HBsAg loop yet none in the core protein. This case questions the dependability of anti‐HBc testing and highlights the role of HBV DNA testing prior to and throughout cytotoxic or immunosuppressive regimes. As this case exemplifies, vaccination protects against clinical infection but may not exclude seronegative occult infection with the possibility of reactivation. J. Med. Virol. 85:597–601, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
PEG‐Modified Macroporous Poly(Glycidyl Methacrylate) and Poly(2‐Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate) Microspheres to Reduce Non‐Specific Protein Adsorption
Authors: Hlídková Helena , Horák Daniel , Proks Vladimír , Kučerová Zdenka , Pekárek Michal , Kučka Jan
Published: January 2013

To minimize non‐specific protein adsorption on macroporous poly(glycidyl methacrylate) and poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) microspheres containing amino and/or carboxyl groups, the microspheres are coated with α,ω‐bis‐carboxy poly(ethylene glycol) and amino‐terminated poly(ethylene glycol‐co‐propylene glycol) or α‐methoxy‐ω‐amino poly(ethylene glycol). Adsorption of bovine serum albumin (BSA), γ‐globulin, 125I‐BSA, pepsin, and chymotrypsin on neat and PEGylated microspheres is determined by UV–VIS spectroscopy of supernatants and eluates or by measurement of radioactivity in an ionization chamber. Neat and PEGylated microspheres adsorb 0.8–70% and 0.02–44% of protein, respectively.

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Analysis of the surgical learning curve using the cumulative sum (CUSUM) method
Authors: Maguire Turlough , Mayne Christopher J. , Terry Tim , Tincello Douglas G.
Published: January 2013

Aims

The concept of the “learning curve” is a term that has become increasingly prevalent in medical literature. Using a unique Female Urology fellowship program running over the last 3 years, we set out to better define the learning process for mid‐urethral slings.

Methods

We examined surgical outcomes for six urology trainees who participated in the 6‐month program from 2006 to 2011. We identified all retropubic mid‐urethral sling procedures they had performed. Demographics included age, BMI, and smoking status. Outcomes focused on complication rates, as well as a subjective patient assessment. Analysis was by the cumulative sum method.

Results

Six trainees performed 187 retropubic slings during their fellowships. Mean age was 54 (SD ± 12.7), mean BMI was 29.5 (SD ± 5.5). One hundred sixty‐five (88%) patients only underwent a mid‐urethral tape with 22 (12%) undergoing a concomitant procedure. There were 5 cases of bladder perforation, 1 case of urethral injury, 25 cases of voiding dysfunction, and 8 cases of mesh exposure. One hundred sixty‐seven out of 180 patients reported a cure or improvement. All complications occurred in the first 4 months of training. CUSUM analysis of voiding dysfunction showed that four out of six trainees did not reach the expected incidence of voiding dysfunction within the completed fellowship. Bladder perforation showed a similar trend.

Conclusion

CUSUM analysis is an underused tool for the analysis of surgical competence. The learning curve for retropubic sling surgery is variable and may be longer than is often acknowledged. We suggest the focus of surgical training should move away from absolute numbers to look at training in an individualized manner. Neurourol. Urodynam. 32: 964–967, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Genetic tools to manipulate MRI contrast
Authors: Airan Raag D. , Li Nan , Gilad Assaf A. , Pelled Galit
Published: January 2013

Advances in molecular biology in the early 1970s revolutionized research strategies for the study of complex biological processes, which, in turn, created a high demand for new means to visualize these dynamic biological changes noninvasively and in real time. In this respect, MRI was a perfect fit, because of the versatile possibility to alter the different contrast mechanisms. Genetic manipulations are now being translated to MRI through the development of reporters and sensors, as well as the imaging of transgenic and knockout mice. In the past few years, a new molecular biology toolset, namely optogenetics, has emerged, which allows for the manipulation of cellular behavior using light. This technology provides a few particularly attractive features for combination with newly developed MRI techniques for the probing of in vivo cellular and, in particular, neural processes, specifically the ability to control focal, genetically defined cellular populations with high temporal resolution using equipment that is magnetically inert and does not interact with radiofrequency pulses. Recent studies have demonstrated that the combination of optogenetics and functional MRI (fMRI) can provide an appropriate platform to investigate in vivo, at the cellular and molecular levels, the neuronal basis of fMRI signals. In addition, this novel combination of optogenetics with fMRI has the potential to resolve pre‐synaptic versus post‐synaptic changes in neuronal activity and changes in the activity of large neuronal networks in the context of plasticity associated with development, learning and pathophysiology. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Imbalance of desmoplastic stromal cell numbers drives aggressive cancer processes
Authors: Kadaba Raghu , Birke Hanna , Wang Jun , Hooper Steven , Andl Claudia D , Di Maggio Francesco , Soylu Erdinc , Ghallab Mohammed , Bor Daniel , Froeling Fieke EM , Bhattacharya Satyajit , Rustgi Anil K , Sahai Erik , Chelala Claude , Sasieni Peter , Kocher Hemant M
Published: January 2013

Epithelial tissues have sparse stroma, in contrast to their corresponding tumours. The effect of cancer cells on stromal cells is well recognized. Increasingly, stromal components, such as endothelial and immune cells, are considered indispensable for cancer progression. The role of desmoplastic stroma, in contrast, is poorly understood. Targeting such cellular components within the tumour is attractive. Recent evidence strongly points towards a dynamic stromal cell participation in cancer progression that impacts patient prognosis. The role of specific desmoplastic stromal cells, such as stellate cells and myofibroblasts in pancreatic, oesophageal and skin cancers, was studied in bio‐engineered, physiomimetic organotypic cultures and by regression analysis. For pancreatic cancer, the maximal effect on increasing cancer cell proliferation and invasion, as well as decreasing cancer cell apoptosis, occurs when stromal (pancreatic stellate cells) cells constitute the majority of the cellular population (maximal effect at a stromal cell proportion of 0.66–0.83), accompanied by change in expression of key molecules such as E‐cadherin andβ‐catenin. Gene‐expression microarrays, across three tumour types, indicate that stromal cells consistently and significantly alter global cancer cell functions such as cell cycle, cell–cell signalling, cell movement, cell death and inflammatory response. However, these changes are mediated through cancer type‐specific alteration of expression, with very few common targets across tumour types. As highlighted by thesein vitrodata, the reciprocal relationship of E‐cadherin and polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (PIGR) expression in cancer cells could be shown,in vivo, to be dependent on the stromal content of human pancreatic cancer. These studies demonstrate that context‐specific cancer–stroma crosstalk requires to be precisely defined for effective therapeutic targeting. These data may be relevant to non‐malignant processes where epithelial cells interact with stromal cells, such as chronic inflammatory and fibrotic conditions. Copyright © 2013 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparative Efficacy of Oral Nucleoside or Nucleotide Analog Monotherapy Used in Chronic Hepatitis B: A Mixed‐Treatment Comparison Meta‐analysis
Authors: Wiens Astrid , Lenzi Luana , Venson Rafael , Correr Cassyano J. , Rotta Inajara , Pedroso Maria L. , Pontarolo Roberto
Published: January 2013

Study Objective

To compare the efficacy of nucleoside or nucleotide analog monotherapy for the treatment of chronic hepatitis virus B (HBV) with adefovir dipivoxil, entecavir, lamivudine, telbivudine, and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate.

Design

Mixed‐treatment comparison meta‐analysis of nine randomized controlled clinical trials.

Patients

A total of 3972 adults with a diagnosis of chronic hepatitis B.

Measurements and Main Results

A systematic review was conducted to search for randomized clinical trials that evaluated the efficacy of nucleoside or nucleotide analogs used as monotherapy. The evaluated outcomes were reduction of HBV DNA levels, normalization of alanine aminotransferase levels, and seroconversion of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg). A mixed‐treatment comparison was conducted to compare the odds ratios among the treatments and to rank the therapies to determine the optimal treatment option. Tenofovir had the best results among the nucleoside or nucleotide analogs for the three evaluated efficacy outcomes in both HBeAg‐positive and ‐negative patients.

Conclusion

Tenofovir has the highest probability of reducing HBV DNA, normalizing alanine aminotransferase levels and inducing HBeAg seroconversion after 1 year of treatment. An efficacy comparison of therapies is an important tool to guide clinicians in selecting the optimal treatment option.
Investigation of the impact of the rear‐dielectric/silver back reflector design on the optical performance of thin‐film silicon solar cells by means of detached reflectors
Authors: Moulin Etienne , Paetzold Ulrich Wilhelm , Bittkau Karsten , Owen Jorj , Kirchhoff Joachim , Bauer Andreas , Carius Reinhard
Published: January 2013

Thin‐film silicon solar cells often rely on a metal back reflector separated from the silicon layers by a thin rear dielectric as a back reflector (BR) design. In this work, we aim to obtain a better insight into the influence of the rear‐dielectric/Ag BR design on the optical performance of hydrogenated microcrystalline silicon (µc‐Si:H) solar cells. To allow the application of a large variety of rear dielectrics combined with Ag BRs of diverse topographies, the solar cell is equipped with a local electrical contact scheme that enables the use of non‐conductive rear dielectrics such as air or transparent liquids of various refractive indices n. With this approach, detached Ag BRs having the desire surface texture can be placed behind the same solar cell, yielding a direct and precise evaluation of their impact on the optical cell performance. The experiments show that both the external quantum efficiency and the device absorptance are improved with decreasing n and increasing roughness of the BR. Calculations of the angular intensity distribution of the scattered light in the µc‐Si:H are presented. They allow for establishing a consistent picture of the light trapping in the solar cell. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Highly near‐infrared emissive boron di(iso)indomethene‐based polymer: Drastic change from deep‐red to near‐infrared emission via quantitative polymer reaction
Authors: Yoshii Ryousuke , Nagai Atsushi , Tanaka Kazuo , Chujo Yoshiki
Published: January 2013

It is challenging to realize the near‐infrared (NIR) emission with large brightness and sharp spectra from the conjugated polymers. In this study, we demonstrate the strategy for receiving strong and pure NIR emission from polymeric materials using organoboron complexes and the modification after polymerization. A series of NIR emissive conjugated polymers with boron di(iso)indomethenes (BODINs) and fluorene or bithiophene were synthesized by Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reaction. The obtained polymers exhibited high emissions in the range from deep‐red to NIR region (quantum yields: ϕPL = 0.40–0.79, full width at half maximum height: Δλ1/2 = 660–940 cm−1, emission maxima: λPL = 686–714 nm). Next, the demethylation of the BODIN‐based polymer with o‐methoxyphenyl groups was carried out. The transformation of the polymer structure quantitatively proceeded via efficient intramolecular crosslinking through the intermediary of the boron atom. Finally, the resulting polymer showed both drastically larger red‐shifted and sharper photoluminescence spectrum than that of the parent polymer with deep‐red emission (ϕPL = 0.37, Δλ1/2 = 460 cm−1, λPL = 758 nm). © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2013
Understanding the basis of a class of paradoxical mutations in AraC through simulations
Authors: Damjanovic Ana , Miller Benjamin T. , Schleif Robert
Published: January 2013

Most mutations at position 15 in the N‐terminal arm of the regulatory protein AraC leave the protein incapable of responding to arabinose and inducing the proteins required for arabinose catabolism. Mutations at other positions of the arm do not have this behavior. Simple energetic analysis of the interactions between the arm and bound arabinose do not explain the uninducibility of AraC with mutations at position 15. Extensive molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, carried out largely on the Open Science Grid, were done of the wild‐type protein with and without bound arabinose and of all possible mutations at position 15, many of which were constructed and measured for this work. Good correlation was found for deviation of arm position during the simulations and inducibility as measured in vivo of the same mutant proteins. Analysis of the MD trajectories revealed that preservation of the shape of the arm is critical to inducibility. To maintain the correct shape of the arm, the strengths of three interactions observed to be strong in simulations of the wild‐type AraC protein need to be preserved. These interactions are between arabinose and residue 15, arabinose and residues 8–9, and residue 13 and residue 15. The latter interaction is notable because residues L9, Y13, F15, W95, and Y97 form a hydrophobic cluster which needs to be preserved for retention of the correct shape. Proteins 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Authenticated RFID security mechanism based on chaotic maps
Authors: Cheng Zi‐Yao , Liu Yun , Chang Chin‐Chen , Chang Shih‐Chang
Published: January 2013

Radio frequency identification (RFID) systems rely on the significant technology of remote, automatic identification with small, low‐cost RF elements to complete RF communications securely among all entities. This technology must ensure that secret information or data communicated via radio transmission are not vulnerable to intentional interception, modification for tracing the individual tag holder, or the attachment of any item. With the increase in the number of applications of RFID systems, security and privacy problems have become the focus of significant concern. In this paper, we propose an authenticated RFID security mechanism based on chaotic maps that guarantees a mutually authenticated process and uses a simple and robust chaotic cryptosystem to implement a practical RFID mechanism. The security of the transmitted information and the privacy of personal information or data were our main concerns in the proposed scheme. Also, we have provided detailed information concerning authentication proof and security aspects of our new design. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Linking moral emotion attributions with behavior: Why “(un)happy victimizers” and “(un)happy moralists” act the way they feel
Authors: Krettenauer Tobias
Published: January 2013

This article addresses the question of why the emotions children and adolescents anticipate in the context of hypothetical scenarios have been repeatedly found to predict actual (im)moral behavior. It argues that a common motivational account of this relationship is insufficient. Instead, three links are proposed that connect cognitive representations of emotional experiences related to future (im)moral actions with decision making and action. Accordingly, it is argued that moral emotion attributions can represent a dominant desire (link 1), outcome expectancies (link 2), or an emotional response to anticipated (in)consistencies of the self (link 3). These three links exemplify different forms of moral agency that emerge in the course of children's and adolescents' development.
Mindfulness for adolescents: A promising approach to supporting emotion regulation and preventing risky behavior
Authors: Broderick Patricia C. , Jennings Patricia A.
Published: January 2013

This article reviews the contextual and neuropsychological challenges of the adolescent period with particular attention to the role that universal prevention can play in moderating the harmful effects of stress. The centrality of emotion regulation skills to long‐term health and wellness suggests their importance in prevention and intervention efforts for youth. Mindfulness has been shown to be an effective means of reducing stress and improving emotion balance in research with adults, although research on mindfulness with adolescents is limited. The authors present available data and describe one potentially effective program for adolescent mindfulness: Learning to BREATHE.
Environment‐mediated morph‐linked immune and life‐history responses in the aposematic wood tiger moth
Authors: Nokelainen Ossi , Lindstedt Carita , Mappes Johanna
Published: January 2013

Warning signals are expected to evolve towards conspicuousness and monomorphism, and thereby hamper the evolution of multiple colour morphs. Here, we test fitness responses to different rearing densities to explain colour polymorphism in aposematic wood tiger moth (Parasemia plantaginis) males.

We used larval lines sired by white or yellow adult males selected for small or large melanization patterns of coloration. We reared these selected lines either solitarily (favourable conditions) or in aggregations (challenged conditions), and followed their performance to adult stage. We tested whether differences in larval density affected life‐history traits, adult melanin expression, adult morph (white or yellow) survival and immunological responses.

We found that the aggregated environment increased mortality of larvae, but decreased larval developmental time and pupa weight. Adult wing melanin pigmentation was dependent on larval melanin expression but not rearing density. We also confirmed that adult wing coloration had a genetic basis (h2 = 0·42) and was not influenced by larval growth density. Adult yellow males survived better from aggregations in comparison with white males, which may be related to differences in immune defence. White males had better encapsulation ability, whereas yellow males had increased lytic activity of haemolymph in the aggregations.

Our main results highlight, that morph‐linked immune responses mediated by differential growth density may facilitate the maintenance of colour polymorphism in aposematic species. In nature, risk of diseases and parasites vary spatially and temporally. Therefore, both yellow and white adult morphs can be maintained due to their differential investment in immune defence in heterogeneous environments.