bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Targeting Platelet G Protein‐Coupled Receptors for Antithrombotic Therapy
Authors: Fälker Knut , Nazare Marc , Wonerow Peter , Kozian Detlef H.
Published: October 2013

Preclinical Research

Platelets are small anucleated cells produced by bone marrow megakaryocytes that circulate in the blood as sentinels of vascular integrity. They play a pivotal role in the regulation of vascular homeostasis through adhesion to the injured vessel wall, aggregation, propagation of coagulation, and thrombus formation. Furthermore, platelets are also involved in fibrinolysis and the repair of the blood vessel wall, restoring blood flow and vascular integrity. Under pathophysiological conditions such as atherosclerosis, inappropriate platelet aggregation and clot formation can cause vascular occlusions, resulting in myocardial infarctions or stroke that, according to the World Health Organization, represent with more than 10% of worldwide death a major health risk (http://who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs310/en/). Over the last several decades, increasing efforts have been made to elucidate the cellular components, signaling pathways, and risk factors contributing to platelet activation with the main goal of providing a sound basis for the development of antiplatelet drugs and novel therapeutic treatment strategies. The family of seven transmembrane receptors, also designated G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs), represented by approximately 800 members identified in the human genome represent the largest class of receptors and, hence, the richest source of targets for drug discovery. Here, we here provide an overview of the commonly applied therapies targeting platelet‐GPCRs as well as a brief summary of novel approaches.
Phylogeography of the California sheephead, Semicossyphus pulcher: the role of deep reefs as stepping stones and pathways to antitropicality
Authors: Poortvliet Marloes , Longo Gary C. , Selkoe Kimberly , Barber Paul H. , White Crow , Caselle Jennifer E. , Perez‐Matus Alejandro , Gaines Steven D. , Bernardi Giacomo
Published: October 2013

In the past decade, the study of dispersal of marine organisms has shifted from focusing predominantly on the larval stage to a recent interest in adult movement. Antitropical distributions provide a unique system to assess vagility and dispersal. In this study, we have focused on an antitropical wrasse genus, Semicossyphus, which includes the California sheephead, S. pulcher, and Darwin's sheephead, S. darwini. Using a phylogenetic approach based on mitochondrial and nuclear markers, and a population genetic approach based on mitochondrial control region sequences and 10 microsatellite loci, we compared the phylogenetic relationships of these two species, as well as the population genetic characteristics within S. pulcher. While S. pulcher and S. darwini are found in the temperate eastern Pacific regions of the northern and southern hemispheres, respectively, their genetic divergence was very small (estimated to have occurred between 200 and 600 kya). Within S. pulcher, genetic structuring was generally weak, especially along mainland California, but showed weak differentiation between Sea of Cortez and California, and between mainland California and Channel Islands. We highlight the congruence of weak genetic differentiation both within and between species and discuss possible causes for maintenance of high gene flow. In particular, we argue that deep and cooler water refugia are used as stepping stones to connect distant populations, resulting in low levels of genetic differentiation.
Patterns of species diversity and phylogenetic structure of vascular plants on the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Yan Yujing , Yang Xian , Tang Zhiyao
Published: October 2013

Large‐scale patterns of species richness and the underlying mechanisms regulating these patterns have long been the central issues in biogeography and macroecology. Phylogenetic community structure is a result of combined effects of contemporary ecological interactions, environmental filtering, and evolutionary history, and it links community ecology with biogeography and trait evolution. The Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau provides a good opportunity to test the influence of contemporary climate on shaping species richness because of its unique geological history, cold climate, and high biodiversity. In this study, based on high‐resolution distributions of ˜9000 vascular plant species, we explored how species richness and phylogenetic structure of vascular plants correlate with climates on the highest (and species rich) plateau on the Earth. The results showed that most of the vascular plants were distributed on the eastern part of the plateau; there was a strong association between species richness and climate, even after the effects of habitat heterogeneity were controlled. However, the responses of richness to climate remarkably depended on life‐forms. Richness of woody plants showed stronger climatic associations than that of herbaceous plants; energy and water availability together regulated richness pattern of woody plants; whereas water availability predominantly regulated richness pattern of herbaceous plants. The phylogenetic structure of vascular species clustered in most areas of the plateau, suggesting that rapid speciation and environment filtering dominated the assembly of communities on the plateau. We further propose that biodiversity conservation in this area should better take into account ecological features for different life‐forms and phylogenetic lineages.
Analysis of brazilin and protosappanin B in sappan lignum by capillary zone electrophoresis with acid barrage stacking
Authors: Lu Yuanqi , Bai Hong , Kong Chunyan , Zhong Hao , Breadmore Michael C.
Published: October 2013

A method was developed to determine brazilin and protosappanin B in natural products by CE after acid barrage stacking. The optimum conditions were as follows: a BGE of 20 mM sodium tetraborate (pH 9.2) containing 6% v/v of methanol, hydrodynamic injection (0.5 psi, 65 s) followed by hydrodynamic injection of 150 mM citric acid (pH 2.3; 0.5 psi, 22 s), and separated with +25 kV. Under these conditions, brazilin and protosappanin B were separated with a sample‐to‐sample time less than 13 min and detection limits of 0.28 μg/mL and 0.15 μg/mL, respectively. The applicability of the developed method was demonstrated by the detection of brazilin and protosappanin in methanol extract of sappan lignum.
Experimental investigation of the impacts of coherent flow structures upon turbulence properties in regions of crescentic scour
Authors: Maity Haradhan , Mazumder Bijoy S.
Published: October 2013

This study examines the spatial distributions of third‐order moments of velocity fluctuations, the turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) fluxes, and the conditional statistics of Reynolds shear stress across the equilibrium crescentic scour structures generated upstream of short horizontal static cylinders. Detailed velocity data were collected using three‐dimensional (3D) micro‐acoustic Doppler velocimeter (ADV) across and within the equilibrium scour marks. The analysis reveals that the positive and negative values of third‐order moments associated with the level bed surface and the scour holes are directly related to coherent structures. The components of TKE flux are discussed for the near‐bed region of the level bed surface and scour holes in relation to sweep–ejection events. A cumulant‐discard method is applied to the Gram‐Charlier probability distribution of two variables to describe the statistical properties of the term u′w′. The conditional statistics of the Reynolds shear stress show a good agreement with the experimental data. The distribution of the joint probability density function in the near‐bed region changes cyclically along the scour hole depending on the bottom fluid velocity, which implies a change from upward to downward flux of momentum and vice versa. Both the ejection and sweep events at near‐bed points on the level surface are more important than within the scour region; and in contrast, both events are stronger for the scour marks than the level bed surface at the outer layer. Sweeps dominate over ejections for the scour hole induced by smaller diameter and ejections dominate for larger diameter. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Upregulation of the ATR‐CHEK1 pathway in oral squamous cell carcinomas
Authors: Parikh Rahul A. , Appleman Leonard J. , Bauman Julie E. , Sankunny Madhav , Lewis Dale W. , Vlad Anda , Gollin Susanne M.
Published: October 2013

The ATR‐CHEK1 pathway is upregulated and overactivated in Ataxia Telangiectasia (AT) cells, which lack functional ATM protein. Loss of ATM in AT confers radiosensitivity, although ATR‐CHEK1 pathway overactivation compensates, leads to prolonged G2 arrest after treatment with ionizing radiation (IR), and partially reverses the radiosensitivity. We observed similar upregulation of the ATR–CHEK1 pathway in a subset of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cell lines with ATM loss. In the present study, we report copy number gain, amplification, or translocation of the ATR gene in 8 of 20 OSCC cell lines by FISH; whereas the CHEK1 gene showed copy number loss in 12 of 20 cell lines by FISH. Quantitative PCR showed overexpression of both ATR and CHEK1 in 7 of 11 representative OSCC cell lines. Inhibition of ATR or CHEK1 with their respective siRNAs resulted in increased sensitivity of OSCC cell lines to IR by the colony survival assay. siRNA‐mediated ATR or CHEK1 knockdown led to loss of G2 cell cycle accumulation and an increased sub‐G0 apoptotic cell population by flow cytometric analysis. In conclusion, the ATR‐CHEK1 pathway is upregulated in a subset of OSCC with distal 11q loss and loss of the G1 phase cell cycle checkpoint. The upregulated ATR‐CHEK1 pathway appears to protect OSCC cells from mitotic catastrophe by enhancing the G2 checkpoint. Knockdown of ATR and/or CHEK1 increases the sensitivity of OSCC cells to IR. These findings suggest that inhibition of the upregulated ATR–CHEK1 pathway may enhance the efficacy of ionizing radiation treatment of OSCC. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
CLTC‐ALK fusion as a primary event in congenital blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm
Authors: Tokuda Kiriko , Eguchi‐Ishimae Minenori , Yagi Chihiro , Kawabe Mika , Moritani Kyoko , Niiya Toshiyuki , Tauchi Hisamichi , Ishii Eiichi , Eguchi Mariko
Published: October 2013

Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) is a subtype of acute myeloid leukemia, affecting mainly the elderly. It is thought to be derived from plasmacytoid dendritic cell precursors, which frequently present as cutaneous lesions. We have made a detailed analysis of an infant with BPDCN, who manifested with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. The peripheral blood leukocytes revealed the t(2;17;8)(p23;q23;p23) translocation and a CLTC‐ALK fusion gene, which have never been reported in BPDCN or in any myeloid malignancies thus far. Neonatal blood spots on the patient's Guthrie card were analyzed for the presence of the CLTC‐ALK fusion gene, identifying the in utero origin of the leukemic cell. Although the leukemic cells were positive for CD4, CD56, CD123, and CD303, indicating a plasmacytoid dendritic cell phenotype, detailed analysis of the lineage distribution of CLTC‐ALK revealed that part of monocytes, neutrophils, and T cells possessed the fusion gene and were involved in the leukemic clone. These results indicated that leukemic cells with CLTC‐ALK originated in a multipotent hematopoietic progenitor in utero. This is the first report of the CLTC‐ALK fusion gene being associated with a myeloid malignancy, which may give us an important clue to the origin of this rare neoplasm. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synergistic effect of static magnetic field and HA‐Fe3O4 magnetic composites on viability of S. aureus and E. coli bacteria
Authors: Bajpai Indu , Balani Kantesh , Basu Bikramjit
Published: October 2013

In addressing the issue of prosthetic infection, this work demonstrated the synergistic effect of the application of static magnetic field (SMF) and ferrimagnetic substrate properties on the bactericidal property in vitro. This aspect was studied using hydroxyapatite (HA)‐xFe3O4 (x=10, 20, and 40 wt.%) substrates, which have different saturation magnetization properties. During bacteria culture experiments, 100 mT SMF was applied to growth medium (with HA‐xFe3O4 substrate) in vitro for 30, 120, and 240 min. A combination of MTT assay, membrane rupture assays, live/dead assay, and fluorescence microscopic analysis showed that the bactericidal effect of SMF increases with the exposure duration as well as increasing Fe3O4 content in biomaterial substrates. Importantly, the synergistic bactericidal effect was found to be independent of bacterial cell type, as similar qualitative trend is measured with both gram negative Escherichia coli (E. coli) and gram positive Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) strains. The reduction in E. coli viability was 83% higher on HA‐40 Wt % Fe3O4 composite after 4 h exposure to SMF as compared to nonexposed control. Interestingly, any statistically significant difference in ROS was not observed in bacterial growth medium after magnetic field exposure, indicating the absence of ROS enhancement due to magnetic field. Overall, this study illustrates significant role being played by magnetic substrate compositions towards bactericidal property than by magnetic field exposure alone. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 102B: 524–532, 2014.
Cytocompatible and water‐stable camelina protein films for tissue engineering
Authors: Zhao Yi , Jiang Qiuran , Xu Helan , Reddy Narendra , Xu Lan , Yang Yiqi
Published: October 2013

In this research, films with compressive strength and aqueous stability were developed from camelina protein (CP) for tissue engineering. Protein based scaffolds have poor mechanical properties and aqueous stability and generally require chemical or physical modifications to make them applicable for medical applications. However, these modifications such as crosslinking could reduce biocompatibility and/or degradability of the scaffolds. Using proteins that are inherently water‐stable could avoid modifications and provide scaffolds with the desired properties. CP with a high degree of disulfide cross‐linkage has the potential to provide water‐stable biomaterials, but it is difficult to dissolve CP and develop scaffolds. In this study, a new method of dissolving highly cross‐linked proteins that results in limited hydrolysis and preserves the protein backbone was developed to produce water‐stable films from CP without any modification. Only 12 % weight loss of camelina films was observed after 7 days in phosphate buffer saline (PBS) at 37°C. NIH 3T3 fibroblasts could attach and proliferate better on camelina films than on citric acid cross‐linked collagen films. Therefore, CP films have the potential to be used for tissue engineering, and this extraction‐dissolution method can be used for developing biomedical materials from various water‐stable plant proteins. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 102B: 729–736, 2014.
Collagen‐Vicryl scaffolds for reconstruction of the diaphragm in a large animal model
Authors: Brouwer Katrien M. , Daamen Willeke F. , Hoogenkamp Henk R. , Geutjes Paul J. , de Blaauw Ivo , Janssen‐Kessels Wilma , de Boode Willem , Versteeg Elly , Wijnen René M. , Feitz Wout F. , Wijnen Marc , van Kuppevelt Toin H.
Published: October 2013

Current methods for closure of congenital diaphragmatic hernia using patches are unsatisfactory, and novel collagen‐based scaffolds have been developed, and successfully applied in a rat model. However, for translation to the human situation constructs must be evaluated in larger animal models. We developed collagen scaffolds enforced with Vicryl, loaded either with or without the muscle stimulatory growth factor insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF1). We describe our steps to a surgical method to implant these scaffolds into a diaphragmatic defect in 1.5–3 week old lambs, and evaluate the scaffolds 6 months after implantation. Omentum was attached to the scaffold. At sacrifice, eventration of the implantation site was observed in all animals with a thin layer of tissue separating the abdomen from the thorax. Histologically, no scaffold remnants could be observed. Fatty tissue surrounded by fibrous tissue was seen, resembling encapsulated omentum, with collagen‐rich tissue present between this tissue and the original diaphragmatic muscle. Outcomes were not different for scaffolds with or without IGF1. In conclusion, the scaffolds integrated well into the surrounding tissue, but slower degrading materials are needed to prevent eventrations. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 102B: 756–763, 2014.
Novel paper‐templated fabrication of hierarchically porous Ni–Al layered double hydroxides/Al2O3 for efficient BSA separation
Authors: Zhang Tao , Mei Zhenyu , Zhou Yuming , Yu Shuna , Chen Zhenjie , Bu Xiaohai
Published: October 2013

BACKGROUND

Due to cellulose of paper is abundant, inexpensive and renewable in nature, the development of paper‐based materials from cellulose to substitute materials prepared by complicated chemical routes is a fascinating challenge. This work investigates a novel method for fabricating paper‐based Ni‐Al layered double hydroxides (LDHs)/Al2O3 composite using celluloses as template; the fabricated composite was applied to adsorb bovine serum albumin (BSA) from water.

RESULTS

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images demonstrate the hierarchical morphologies and multiscale structures of composites at scales ranging from micro‐ to nano‐scales. The unique macroporous structures can be directly observed by morphology analysis, and show that these materials which have potential applications in bulky biomolecules adsorption. Compared with bare LDH particles, LDHs/Al2O3 composites show a high binding capacity for BSA, where the appropriate adsorption capacity is achieved at neutral pH. The equilibrium data for BSA adsorption onto composites are found to be well described by the Langmuir isotherm model, while the kinetic data are well‐fitted to the pseudo‐second‐order model.

CONCLUSION

Since the BSA adsorbed composites show near complete (over 95%) desorption in a high negative charge density of salt solution, suggesting that the paper‐based Ni‐Al LDHs/Al2O3 composites are practically usable for BSA separation. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Robotic single‐site cholecystectomy
Authors: Morel Philippe , Buchs Nicolas C. , Iranmanesh Pouya , Pugin François , Buehler Leo , Azagury Dan E. , Jung Minoa , Volonte Francesco , Hagen Monika E.
Published: October 2013

Background

Minimally invasive approaches for cholecystectomy are evolving in a surge for the best possible clinical outcome for the patients. As one of the most recent developments, a robotic set of instrumentation to be used with the da Vinci Si Surgical System has been developed to overcome some of the technical challenges of manual single incision laparoscopy.

Methods

From February 2011 to February 2013, all consecutive robotic single site cholecystectomies (RSSC) were prospectively collected in a dedicated database. Demographic, intra‐ and postoperative data of all patients that underwent RSSC at our institution were analyzed. Data were evaluated for the overall patient cohort as well as after stratification according to patient BMI (body mass index) and surgeon's experience.

Results

During the study period, 82 patients underwent robotic single site cholecystectomy at our institution. The dominating preoperative diagnosis was cholelithiasis. Mean overall operative time was 91 min. Intraoperative complications occurred in 2.4% of cases. One conversion to open surgery due to the intraoperative finding of a gallbladder carcinoma was observed and two patients needed an additional laparoscopic trocar. The rate of postoperative complications was 4.9% with a mean length of stay of 2.4 days. No significant differences were observed when comparing results between robotic novices and robotic experts. Patients with higher BMI trended towards longer surgical console and overall operative time, but resulted in similar rates of conversions and complications when compared to normal weight patients.

Conclusions

Robotic Single‐Site cholecystectomy can be performed safely and effectively with low rates of complications and conversions in patients with differing BMI and by surgeons with varying levels of experience.
Intraoperative dopamine release during globus pallidus internus stimulation in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Martinez Raquel C.R. , Hamani Clement , de Carvalho Milene Cristina , de Oliveira Amanda Ribeiro , Alho Eduardo , Navarro Jessie , dos Santos Ghilardi Maria Gabriela , Bor‐Seng‐Shu Edson , Heinsen Helmut , Otoch José Pinhata , Brandão Marcus Lira , Barbosa Egberto Reis , Teixeira Manoel Jacobsen , Fonoff Erich Talamoni
Published: October 2013

Background

It is still unclear whether dopamine (DA) levels correlate with Parkinson's disease (PD) severity or play a role in the mechanisms of high‐frequency stimulation (HFS).

Methods

We have used microdialysis to record pallidal DA in 5 patients with PD undergoing microelectrode‐guided pallidotomy.

Results

We found that patients with more severe disease and, consequently, lower pallidal DA did poorly after pallidal lesions. In the operating room, 4 of 5 patients had a significant increase in DA levels during HFS (600%, on average). To test the hypothesis that DA was important for the effects of stimulation, we correlated the amelioration in rigidity observed in the operating room with pallidal DA release. Though rigidity was 56% better during stimulation, no correlation was found between such an improvement and DA release.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that additional mechanisms not directly dependent on pallidal DA release may be involved in the clinical effects of HFS of the globus pallidus internus. © 2013 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Long‐term efficacy and safety of fluphenazine in patients with Tourette syndrome
Authors: Wijemanne Subhashie , Wu Laura J.C. , Jankovic Joseph
Published: October 2013

Objectives

Haloperidol and pimozide are the only drugs currently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for treatment of Tourette syndrome (TS), but their potential side effects, which include tardive dyskinesia (TD), limit their use.

Methods

We performed a retrospective chart review of patients with TS treated with fluphenazine over a 26‐year period.

Results

Among 268 patients with TS, fluphenazine was initiated at a mean age of 15.8 ± 10.7 years (range, 4.1–70.2) and titrated to an optimal dose of 3.24 ± 2.3 mg/day (range, 0.5–12.0), which was continued for an average of 2.6 ± 3.2 years (range, 0.01–16.8). Marked to moderate improvement was noted in 211 (80.5%). The most common side effects included drowsiness, fatigue, or both, observed in 70 (26.1%) patients. There were no cases of TD.

Conclusions

Fluphenazine appears to be safe and effective in the treatment of TS, and there were no cases of TD in this cohort treated up to 16.8 years. © 2013 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Cell layers and neuropil: contrast‐enhanced MRI of mouse brain in vivo
Authors: Watanabe Takashi , Frahm Jens , Michaelis Thomas
Published: October 2013

Contrast‐enhanced T1‐ and T2‐weighted MRI at 9.4 T and in‐plane resolutions of 25 and 30 µm has been demonstrated to differentiate between neural tissues in mouse brain in vivo, including granule cell layers, principal cell layers, general neuropil, specialized neuropil and white matter. In T1‐weighted MRI of the olfactory bulb, hippocampus and cerebellum, contrast obtained by the intracranial administration of gadopentetate dimeglumine (Gd‐DTPA) reflects the extra‐ and intracellular spaces of gray matter in agreement with histological data. General neuropil areas are highlighted, whereas other tissues present with lower signal intensities. The induced contrast is similar to that in plain T2‐weighted MRI, but offers a 16–30‐fold higher contrast‐to‐noise ratio. Systemic administration of manganese chloride increases the signal‐to‐noise ratio in T1‐weighted MRI to a significantly greater extent in principal cell layers and specialized neuropil than in granule cell layers, whereas gadolinium‐enhanced MRI indicates no larger intracellular spaces in these tissues. Granule cell layers are enhanced no more than general neuropil by manganese, whereas gadolinium‐enhanced MRI indicates significantly larger intracellular spaces in the cell layers. These discrepancies suggest that the signal increase after manganese administration reflects cellular activity which is disproportionate to the intracellular space. As a result, principal cell layers and specialized neuropil become highlighted, whereas granule cell layers, general neuropil and white matter present with lower signal intensities. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
1H NMR detects different metabolic profiles in glioblastoma stem‐like cells
Authors: Guidoni Laura , Ricci‐Vitiani Lucia , Rosi Antonella , Palma Alessandra , Grande Sveva , Luciani Anna Maria , Pelacchi Federica , di Martino Simona , Colosimo Cesare , Biffoni Mauro , De Maria Ruggero , Pallini Roberto , Viti Vincenza
Published: October 2013

The metabolic profiles of glioblastoma stem‐like cells (GSCs) growing in neurospheres were examined by 1H NMR spectroscopy. Spectra of two GSC lines, labelled 1 and 83, from tumours close to the subventricular zone of the temporal lobe were studied in detail and compared with those of neural stem/progenitor cells from the adult olfactory bulb (OB‐NPCs) and of the T98G glioblastoma cell line. In both GSCs, signals from myoinositol (Myo‐I), UDP‐hexosamines (UDP‐Hex) and glycine indicated an astrocyte/glioma metabolism. For line 1, the presence of signals from N‐acetyl aspartate, GABA and creatine pointed to a neuronal fingerprint. These metabolites were almost absent from line 83 spectra, whereas lipid signals, absent from normal neural lineages, were intense in line 83 spectra and remained low in those of line 1, irrespective of apoptotic fate. Spectra of OB‐NPC cells displayed strong similarities with those from line 1, with low lipid signals and clearly detectable neuronal signals. In contrast, the spectral profile of line 83 was more similar to that of T98G, displaying high lipids and nearly complete absence of the neuronal markers. A mixed neural–astrocyte metabolic phenotype with a strong neuronal fingerprint was therefore found in line 1, while an astrocytic/glioma‐like metabolism prevailed in line 83. We found a signal assigned to the amide proton of N‐acetyl galactosamine in GSC lines and in OB‐NPC spectra, whereas it was absent from those of T98G cells. This signal may be related to a stem‐cell‐specific protein glycosylation pattern and is therefore suggested as a marker of cell multipotency.

Other GSC lines from patients with different clinical outcomes were then examined. Unsupervised analysis of spectral data from 13 lines yielded two clusters, with six lines resembling spectral features of line 1 and seven resembling those of line 83, suggesting that distinct metabolic phenotypes may be present in GSC lines. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Magic of Money and the Magic of the State: Fast Money Schemes in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Cox John
Published: October 2013

As Keith Hart (1986) articulated in his neat phrase ‘two sides of the coin’, money and the state are inextricably intertwined. However, academic discussions of the state tend to fall under the heading of ‘governance’, with implicit reference to democratic ideals, while money is regarded as ‘economics’, a field dominated by ideas of the market. In this paper, I use material from U‐Vistract, a mass Ponzi scam to show how quasi‐magical ideas of money and wealth have grown out of the disillusioning experience of the state in its failure to deliver ‘development’. These imaginings of prosperity entail a different kind of state, based on the moral reform of Christian citizens and political leaders and the reorientation of the banking system to deliver benefits to ordinary people. As the Royal Kingdom of Papala, U‐Vistract sought to be seen to be like a Christian state and so deceived its investors into thinking that they were participating in a moral project that would allow them to redress the short‐comings of the Papua New Guinean state. As the scam took on the appearance of the state, so the state came to be seen as a scam.
Beyond Bilas: The Enga Take Anda
Authors: Wiessner Polly , Tumu Akii
Published: October 2013

A crucial issue facing anthropologists, linguists, and museums today is what to do with research material and artifacts that have accumulated over the years. In 2005 we sought ways to return 20 years of material on Enga history and tradition to the people of Enga Province at a time when rapid change was leaving young generations with little sense of their cultural heritage. The goal was to build a center, the Enga Take Anda, House of Traditional Knowledge, that would provide knowledge of the past to help Enga understand recent changes and to consider what should be carried forward and what left behind. To be effective, the Enga Take Anda would have to be a museum and as well as a resource center with an active role in Enga schools and the Village Court system. We describe here challenges and successes in this endeavor. The establishment of the Take Anda has involved much trial, error, flexibility and persistence, largely persistence.
Characteristics and trends of low‐dose quetiapine use in two western state Medicaid programs
Authors: Hartung Daniel M. , Zerzan Judy , Yamashita Traci , Tong Suhong , Morden Nancy E. , Libby Anne M.
Published: October 2013

Purpose

Medicaid programs are concerned about inappropriate, potentially hazardous, and costly off‐label use of second‐generation antipsychotics (SGAs). Several states are exploring policies aimed at managing low‐dose quetiapine, commonly prescribed for off‐label conditions. This study aimed to characterize longitudinal trends and patient characteristics associated with low‐dose quetiapine in two state Medicaid programs. We further aimed to quantify changes in the use of quetiapine associated with a legal settlement that curtailed off‐label promotion of this product.

Methods

Using administrative data from two state Medicaid programs, Oregon and Colorado, we identified SGA initiators and determined patient level factors associated with receipt of low‐dose SGAs. We evaluated changes in low‐dose quetiapine initiation during and after a period in which quetiapine was being promoted illegally for off‐label purposes.

Results

We identified 14 763 new SGA starts during the study period. Low‐dose (versus therapeutic dose) SGA use was common in both states, representing 53% to 56% of initiators. Quetiapine was the most commonly used SGA in both states and both dose ranges. Diagnoses of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorder, and use of newer sedative hypnotics were associated with lower likelihood of initiating low‐dose quetiapine. Initiation of low‐dose quetiapine as a proportion of all SGA initiation and of all quetiapine initiation significantly declined in Oregon following suspension of off‐label promotional activities.

Conclusions

Low‐dose SGA and specifically low‐dose quetiapine use remains common. Medicaid programs must set policies carefully to maximize the net safety of prescription use while optimizing disease management considering the potential for substitution effects. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phosphido‐diphosphine pincer aluminum complexes as catalysts for ring opening polymerization of cyclic esters
Authors: D'Auria Ilaria , Lamberti Marina , Mazzeo Mina , Milione Stefano , Pellecchia Claudio
Published: October 2013

New aluminum alkyl complexes, supported by o‐phenylene‐derived phosphido diphosphine pro‐ligands [Ph‐PPP]‐H and [iPr‐PPP]‐H ([Ph‐PPP]‐H = bis(2‐diphenylphosphinophenyl)phosphine; [iPr‐PPP]‐H = bis(2‐diisopropylphosphinophenyl)phosphine) are reported. Compounds [Ph‐PPP]AlMe2 (1), [iPr‐PPP]AlMe2 (2), and [Ph‐PPP]AliBu2 (3) have been synthesized by reaction of the pro‐ligand with the appropriate trialkyl aluminum precursor and have been characterized by 1H, 13C and 31P NMR spectroscopy. The solution NMR data and theoretical calculations suggest for all complexes trigonal bipyramidal structures with C2v symmetry in which the phosphido diphosphine ligand acts as a κ3 coordinated ligand. All complexes promote the ring‐opening polymerization of ε‐caprolactone, L‐ and rac‐lactide. Polyesters with controlled molecular parameters (Mn, end groups) and low polydispersities are obtained. Upon addition of isopropanol, efficient binary catalytic systems for the immortal ring‐opening polymerization of the cyclic esters are produced. Preliminary investigations show the ability of these complexes to promote copolymerization of l‐lactide and ɛ‐caprolactone to achieve copolymers whose microstructures are depending on the structure of the catalyst. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014, 52, 49–60
Insight into the Reaction Scheme of SiO2 Film Deposition at Atmospheric Pressure
Authors: Rügner Katja , Reuter Rüdiger , Ellerweg Dirk , de los Arcos Teresa , von Keudell Achim , Benedikt Jan
Published: October 2013

Characterisation of an atmospheric pressure microplasma jet in combination with simulations have been used to determine reaction mechanism of SiO2‐like film formation and reaction rate constants for several gas phase reactions in the He/hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO)(/O2) plasma chemistry. Using a variable‐length quartz tube, the gas residence time in the plasma effluent could be well controlled without changing plasma properties. A possible reaction scheme has been developed. Deposition rates, deposited profiles, carbon content of the films and the depletion of HMDSO could be reproduced by the simulation. The simulation indicates that HMDSO in He(/O2) plasma dissociates preferentially into (CH3)3SiO and Si(CH3)3, where the former radical serves as a main growth precursor.
Red Emissive Biocompatible Nanoparticles from Tetraphenylethene‐Decorated BODIPY Luminogens for Two‐Photon Excited Fluorescence Cellular Imaging and Mouse Brain Blood Vascular Visualization
Authors: Zhao Zujin , Chen Bin , Geng Junlong , Chang Zhengfeng , Aparicio‐Ixta Laura , Nie Han , Goh Chi Ching , Ng Lai Guan , Qin Anjun , Ramos‐Ortiz Gabriel , Liu Bin , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: October 2013

BODIPY (4,4‐difluoro‐4‐bora‐3a,4a‐diaza‐s‐indacene) is an emissive chromophore in solutions but suffers from fluorescence quenching when aggregated due to its flat molecular conformation and small Stokes shift. To create aggregate‐state emissive BODIPY luminogens, tetraphenylethene (TPE), which is a popular luminogen with intriguing aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) characteristic, is introduced as periphery to a methylated BODIPY core. Three TPE‐BODIPY adducts are synthesized and characterized, and their photophysical properties and electronic structures are investigated. The incorporation of AIE‐active TPE units alleviates aggregation‐caused quenching of BODIPY core, furnishing emissive nanoparticles based on TPE‐BODIPY adducts. Significantly, the two‐photon absorption (TPA) and two‐photon excited fluorescence (TPEF) properties are improved as more TPE units are attached. The luminogens with 3TPE units (3TPE‐BODIPY) shows the strongest TPA and TPEF in the wavelength range of 750–830 nm, with cross‐section values of 264 and 116 GM at 810 nm, respectively. Red emissive nanoparticles with a Stokes shift of 60 nm and a fluorescence quantum yield of 16% are attained by encapsulating 3TPE‐BODIPY with 1,2‐sistearoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphoethanolamine‐N‐[methoxy(polyethylene glycol)‐2000]. The nanoparticles are biocompatible and function well in TPEF cellular imaging and mouse brain blood vascular visualization.
Recombination luminescence in aluminum nitride ceramics
Authors: Trinkler Laima , Berzina Baiba
Published: October 2013

Photoluminescence (PL) and afterglow luminescence (AGL) produced by UV laser irradiation with varied intensity were studied in AlN ceramics in the 10–300 K temperature range. Luminescence spectra of AlN ceramics contain the UV–blue band built up of two components – the UV (3.18 eV) and Blue (2.58 eV) bands, which are presumably ascribed to recombination luminescence involving oxygen‐related centers in the bulk and on the surface of AlN, correspondingly. It was found that position of the emission band maximum of AlN ceramics depends on such factors as excitation density, temperature, and delay time after excitation ceasing – in the case of AGL. In PL spectra, the excitation density growth produces the blue shift of the UV emission band peak, and temperature growth from 10 to 300 K causes first the blue and then the red shift. The most characteristic feature of the AGL is the red shift of the resultant UV–blue peak occurring with growth of delay time after excitation ceasing. Explanations of these phenomena are proposed basing on properties of radiative donor–acceptor pair recombination in semiconductors and varied relative contribution of the UV and Blue components to build‐up of the resultant UV–blue band.
Preferential N‐H bond direction in GaAsN grown by chemical beam epitaxy
Authors: Ikeda Kazuma , Inagaki Makoto , Kojima Nobuaki , Ohshita Yoshio , Yamaguchi Masafumi
Published: October 2013

The two N‐H local vibrations in GaAsN grown by the chemical beam epitaxy have the same preferential orientation in the crystal. The bond orientations of the N‐H wagging mode at 961 cm‐1 and stretching mode at 2952 cm‐1 tend to align along [1‐10]. The peak intensities of the three major N‐H local vibration modes were examined by the polarized Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The integrated absorption peaks at 961and 2952 cm‐1 showed the two‐fold rotational symmetry in (001) plane, while the one at 3098 cm‐1 was almost constant within the accuracy of this measurement. The maximum peak intensities were observed when the IR polarization direction was [110] for the N‐H wagging mode at 961 cm‐1, and [1‐10] for the N‐H stretching mode at 2952 cm‐1, which means that those bond orientations projected on (001) plane were the same. The result indicates that the N‐H wagging mode at 961 cm‐1 and stretching mode at 2952 cm‐1 are originated from the same N‐H bond. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Growth of high‐quality InAs quantum dots embedded in GaAs nanowire structures on Si substrates
Authors: Kwoen Jinkwan , Watanabe Katsuyuki , Ota Yasutomo , Iwamoto Satoshi , Arakawa Yasuhiko
Published: October 2013

We present the growth of InAs quantum dots (QD) embedded in GaAs nanowires (NW) on silicon and demonstrate clear single photon emission. Sharp excitonic emission (linewidth of 162 μeV) and the generation of single photons (g(2)(0) = 0.18) was observed by low temperature photoluminescence measurements, suggesting a high optical quality which can be attributed to the high crystal quality of the QD structure. It is believed that the crystal quality is high due to the Stranski‐Krastanov (S‐K) mode of the growth. This structure may open new ways for the integration of such photon emitters into future ‘on‐silicon’ quantum optical circuits. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Designing Efficient Oxygen Scavenging Coating Formulations for Food Packaging Applications
Authors: Gohil Ramesh M. , Wysock William A.
Published: October 2013

Modified atmosphere packaging is widely used to prolong the shelf life of many oxygen‐sensitive items including food, pharmaceuticals, work of art and so on. For food packaging applications, we investigated the effectiveness of oxygen scavenging coatings and flexographic printing ink formulations made using water soluble and water insoluble ascorbate enzyme systems. The present study summarizes the effects of various parameters on the oxygen scavenging rates and other performance aspects of the formulations. It is shown that; the initial oxygen scavenging rate can be increased by increasing the surface area of Calcium Ascorbate crystals and addition of catalyst or edible oil; addition of a catalyst like TiO2 or Alumina and an edible oil in Ascorbate and laccase‐based formulations induces a synergistic effect upon the rate of scavenging oxygen from the packages; an efficient oxygen scavenging coating formulation can be made using water soluble Calcium Ascorbate and insoluble Ascorbate Palmitate containing enzyme and substrate; designing an efficient oxygen scavenging formulation using water insoluble Ascorbate Palmitate can reduce or eliminate formation of effluent which has potential to change the aperral of food items inside the package; an adverse effect of some binders which cause a reduction in the oxygen scavenging rate can be eliminated by making blends of different binders. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Observation of CO2 and solvent adduct ions during negative mode electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometric analysis of monohydric alcohols
Authors: Zhou Xibin , Zhang Yahe , Zhao Suoqi , Hsu Chang Samuel , Shi Quan
Published: October 2013

RATIONALE

Monohydric alcohols are common in natural products, bio‐oils, and medicine. We have found that monohydric alcohols can form O3 (ions containing three oxygen atoms) and O4 adduct ions in negative electrospray ionization (ESI) Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT‐ICR MS), which would significantly affect the composition analysis of alcohols, especially in a complex mixture. It is necessary to study the reaction pathways and the method to eliminate or reduce the 'artifact' adducts.

METHODS

Octadecanol, cholesterol, squalanol and two complex monohydric alcohol mixtures were selected as model compounds. These samples were subjected to negative ion ESI FT‐ICR MS analysis. The composition and formation mechanism of adducts were studied by the ultrahigh‐resolution accurate mass measurement for elemental composition, along with the MS2 isolation and collision‐induced dissociation (CID) experiments for structural determination.

RESULTS

The reaction pathway of O3 adduct formation is the coupling of a monohydric alcohol ion with a CO2 to form a stable O3 ionic species by likely a covalent bond (source of CO2 is not clear). The O4 species are formed by O3 ionic species adducted with an alcohol molecule of the solvent, such as methanol or ethanol, by likely a hydrogen bond. These adduct ions could be eliminated or reduced by increasing collision energy. However, excessive collision energy would fragment monohydric alcohol ions.

CONCLUSIONS

The formation mechanisms of O3 and O4 adducts from monohydric alcohols in negative ion ESI FT‐ICR MS were proposed. The solvent adduction effects can be eliminated or reduced by optimizing the collision energy of CID in FT‐ICR MS. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Laser ablation based bioimaging with simultaneous elemental and molecular mass spectrometry: towards spatially resolved speciation analysis
Authors: Herdering Christina , Wehe Christoph A. , Reifschneider Olga , Raj Indra , Ciarimboli Giuliano , Diebold Kurt , Becker Christoph , Sperling Michael , Karst Uwe
Published: October 2013

RATIONALE

Biological functions of metals are not only specified by the element itself, but also by its chemical form and by its organ, cell and subcellular location. The developed laser ablation based setup enables spatially resolved analysis with simultaneous elemental and molecular mass spectrometry (MS) and promises therefore localization, identification and quantification of metal or heteroelement‐containing species in biological samples such as tissue sections.

METHODS

A UV laser ablation (LA) system is hyphenated in parallel both with an elemental and a molecular mass spectrometer via flow splitted transfer lines to simultaneously obtain data from both of the mass spectrometers. Elemental MS was performed using inductively coupled plasma (ICP)‐MS, whereas atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI)‐MS with an orbitrap mass analyzer was utilized for molecular MS.

RESULTS

Simultaneous elemental and molecular MS imaging with high lateral resolution down to 25 µm was presented for the staining agents eosin Y and haematoxylin as well as for the chemotherapy drug cisplatin in thin tissue sections. For molecular MS, target compounds were identified by their exact masses and by characteristic fragment ions.

CONCLUSIONS

The first simultaneous elemental and molecular MS imaging approach based on laser ablation sampling was introduced for spatially resolved speciation analysis. The combination of the advantages of LA‐ICP‐MS such as low detection limits and high spatial resolution with information on the chemical identity promises not only localization of metals, but also identification of metal species in biological samples. Therefore, this novel technique opens up new possibilities to address complex challenges in life science research. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometric analysis of folic acid, vancomycin and Triton® X‐100 on variously functionalized carbon nanotubes
Authors: Cegłowski Michał , Jasiecki Szymon , Schroeder Grzegorz
Published: October 2013

RATIONALE

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been ascertained to constitute versatile assisting matrices for laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometric analysis of different molecules. The functionalization thereof can lead to obtaining laser desorption/ionization assisting surfaces that would allow the detection of molecules at lower concentration and produce spectra with a better signal‐to‐noise ratio.

METHODS

Pristine, ‐OH and ‐COOH functionalized multi‐walled CNTs were obtained from commercial suppliers. Gallic or sinapinic acid was attached covalently to the CNT surfaces by forming an ester bond. Folic acid, vancomycin and Triton® X‐100 were used as analytes to examine properties of these new assisting surfaces. Mass spectrometry analysis was conducted on a matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization quadrupole time‐of‐flight (MALDIQTOF) mass spectrometer.

RESULTS

The functionalization of CNTs was confirmed with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The obtained mass spectra revealed that all the assisting surfaces are capable of transferring energy to the analytes; moreover, the presence of carboxyl groups in the structures of CNTs highly enhances their ionization properties. Nevertheless, the presence of sinapinic acid on CNT surfaces does not increase their properties to absorb pulse laser energy.

CONCLUSIONS

The presented assisting surfaces are effective in LDI mass analysis of folic acid, vancomycin and Triton® X‐100. The appropriate functionalization of CNTs can lead to the production of assisting surfaces that can become highly effective in the ionization of particular types of analytes. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.