bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recognition of Class I MHC by a Rat Ly49 NK Cell Receptor Is Dependent on the Identity of the P2 Anchor Amino Acid of Bound Peptide
Authors: Ma Brian J. , Kane Kevin P.
Published: August 2011

Members of the rodent Ly49 receptor family control NK cell responsiveness and demonstrate allele specificity for MHC class I (MHC-I) ligands. For example, the rat Ly49i2 inhibitory NK cell receptor binds RT1-A1c but not other rat MHC class Ia or Ib molecules. RT1-A1c preferentially binds peptides with proline at the second, or P2, position, which defines it as an HLA-B7 supertype MHC-I molecule. Previously, our laboratory showed that mutations within the MHC-I supertype-defining B-pocket of RT1-A1c could lead to alterations in P2 anchor residues of the peptide repertoire bound by RT1-A1c and loss of recognition by Ly49i2. Although suggestive of peptide involvement, it was unclear whether the peptide P2 anchor residue or alteration of the RT1-A1c primary sequence influenced Ly49i2 recognition. Therefore, we directly investigated the role of the P2 anchor residue of RT1-A1c–bound peptides in Ly49i2 recognition. First, fluorescent multimers generated by refolding soluble recombinant RT1-A1c with individual synthetic peptides differing only at the P2 anchor residue were examined for binding to Ly49i2 NK cell transfectants. Second, cytotoxicity by Ly49i2-expressing NK cells toward RMA-S target cells expressing RT1-A1c bound with peptides that only differ at the P2 anchor residue was evaluated. Our results demonstrate that Ly49i2 recognizes RT1-A1c bound with peptides that have Pro or Val at P2, whereas little or no recognition is observed when RT1-A1c is complexed with peptide bearing Gln at P2. Thus, the identity of the P2 peptide anchor residue is an integral component of MHC-I recognition by Ly49i2.
Long-Lived Plasma Cells from Human Small Intestine Biopsies Secrete Immunoglobulins for Many Weeks In Vitro
Authors: Mesin Luka , Di Niro Roberto , Thompson Keith M. , Lundin Knut E. A. , Sollid Ludvig M.
Published: August 2011

To understand the biology of Ab-secreting cells in the human small intestine, we examined Ab production of intestinal biopsies kept in culture. We found sustained IgA and IgM secretion as well as viable IgA- or IgM-secreting cells after >4 wk of culture. The Ab-secreting cells were nonproliferating and expressing CD27 and CD138, thus having a typical plasma cell phenotype. Culturing of biopsies without tissue disruption gave the highest Ab production and plasma cell survival suggesting that the environment regulates plasma cell longevity. Cytokine profiling of the biopsy cultures demonstrated a sustained presence of IL-6 and APRIL. Blocking of the activity of endogenous APRIL and IL-6 with BCMA–Fc and anti-human IL-6 Ab demonstrated that both these factors were essential for plasma cell survival and Ab secretion in the biopsy cultures. This study demonstrates that the human small intestine harbors a population of nonproliferating plasma cells that are instructed by the microenvironment for prolonged survival and Ab secretion.
Myosin 1c Participates in B Cell Cytoskeleton Rearrangements, Is Recruited to the Immunologic Synapse, and Contributes to Antigen Presentation
Authors: Maravillas-Montero José L. , Gillespie Peter G. , Patiño-López Genaro , Shaw Stephen , Santos-Argumedo Leopoldo
Published: August 2011

Myosin 1c (Myo1c) is a member of the unconventional class I myosins of vertebrates, which directly link the plasma membrane with the microfilament cortical web. Although this molecular motor has been implicated in cell functions such as cytoskeleton organization, cell motility, nuclear transcription, and endocytosis, its role in hematopoietic cells is largely unknown. In this study, we show that Myo1c is abundantly expressed in murine B lymphocytes and is preferentially located at the plasma membrane, especially in peripheral processes such as microvilli. We observed that this motor concentrates at the growing membrane protrusions generated during B cell spreading and that it is actively recruited to the immune synapse. Interestingly, Myo1c was detected in lipid rafts of B cells and showed strong colocalization with MHC-II, particularly after cross-linking of these molecules. By transfection of a dominant negative form of Myo1c or specific siRNA, we also detected alterations in the spreading and Ag-presenting ability of these cells. The data suggest that Myo1c is involved in the cytoskeleton dynamics and membrane protein anchoring or sorting in B lymphocytes.
Miz-1 Is Required To Coordinate the Expression of TCRβ and p53 Effector Genes at the Pre-TCR “β-Selection” Checkpoint
Authors: Saba Ingrid , Kosan Christian , Vassen Lothar , Klein-Hitpass Ludger , Möröy Tarik
Published: August 2011

Miz-1 is a Broad-complex, Tramtrack and Bric-à-brac/pox virus zinc finger domain (BTB/POZ)-containing protein expressed in lymphoid precursors that can activate or repress transcription. We report in this article that mice expressing a nonfunctional Miz-1 protein lacking the BTB/POZ domain (Miz-1ΔPOZ) have a severe differentiation block at the pre-T cell “β-selection” checkpoint, evident by a drastic reduction of CD4−CD8− double-negative–3 (DN3) and DN4 cell numbers. T cell-specific genes including Rag-1, Rag-2, CD3ε, pTα, and TCRβ are expressed in Miz-1–deficient cells and V(D)J recombination is intact, but few DN3/DN4 cells express a surface pre-TCR. Miz-1–deficient DN3 cells are highly apoptotic and do not divide, which is consistent with enhanced expression of p53 target genes such as Cdkn1a, PUMA, and Noxa. However, neither coexpression of the antiapoptotic protein Bcl2 nor the deletion of p21CIP1 nor the combination of both relieved Miz-1–deficient DN3/DN4 cells from their differentiation block. Only the coexpression of rearranged TCRαβ and Bcl2 fully rescued Miz-1–deficient DN3/DN4 cell numbers and enabled them to differentiate into DN4TCRβ+ and double-positive cells. We propose that Miz-1 is a critical factor for the β-selection checkpoint and is required for both the regulation of p53 target genes and proper expression of the pre-TCR to support the proliferative burst of DN3 cells during T cell development.
Building Multi-Marker Algorithms for Disease Prediction–-The Role of Correlations among Markers
Authors: Pinsky Paul F. , Zhu Claire S.
Published: August 2011

A widely held viewpoint in the field of predictive biomarkers for disease holds that no single marker can provide high enough discrimination and that a panel of markers, combined in some type of algorithm, will be needed. Motivated by a recent study where 27 additional markers for ovarian cancer, many of which had good predictive value alone, failed to substantially increase the predictive ability of the primary marker of CA125, we explore the effect of additional markers on the area under the ROC curve (AUC). We develop a statistical model based on the multivariate normal distribution and linear algorithms and use it to explore how the magnitude and direction of statistical correlation among the markers (in diseased and in non-diseased) is critical in determining the added predictive value of additional markers. We show mathematically and empirically that if the additional marker(s) is negatively correlated with the primary marker, then it will always be able to provide increased AUC when combined with the primary marker (as compared to that obtained with the primary marker alone), even if it has little predictive ability on its own. In contrast, if the additional marker(s) is positively correlated with the primary marker, then it is unlikely to substantially increase the AUC when combined with the primary marker, even when it has good predictive ability on its own. Thus, univariate analyses alone may not be the best approach in choosing which markers to combine in a predictive panel of markers; patterns of statistical correlation should be considered in ranking top-performing biomarkers.
Psychological Status in Patients Seeking Rhinoplasty
Authors: Piromchai Patorn , Suetrong Surapol , Arunpongpaisal Suwanna
Published: August 2011

Background

Rhinoplasty is the most common operation performed by our facial plastic surgery unit. Recognition of patients with psychological problems which may result in an unfavourable post-operative outcome is essential. The objective of this study was to evaluate the psychological status of patients seeking rhinoplasty, compared with the general population.

Methods

We prospectively collected the data from patients who requested rhinoplasty in Srinagarind hospital, Thailand and controls. We used the general health questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28) for psychological problems detection.

Results

We included a total of 196 participants, 98 in study group and 98 in control group. The study group has a 5.5 times (95% CI 1.25 to 24.17, P = 0.01) higher risk for poor mental status more than control group.

Conclusions

The patients seeking rhinoplasty group were more likely to have psychological problems when compared with the control group. Surgeons should be aware of the patient's psychological status before performing the operation.
Evaluation of Genetic Variations in Organic Cationic Transporter 3 in Depressed and Nondepressed Subjects
Authors: Hengen Nina , Lizer Mitsi H. , Kidd Robert S.
Published: August 2011

Organic cationic transporter 3 (OCT3, SLS22A3) has only recently emerged as one of the regulators of monoaminergic neurotransmission, which plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of depression and is a potential new antidepressant drug target. OCT3 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been investigated for their association with psychiatric disorders such as methamphetamine use disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder in children and adolescents, but not depression. This study was designed to evaluate the allele frequencies of seven OCT3 SNPs in a US Caucasian depressed population and compare these frequencies with a control group of nondepressed subjects. Informed consent and a DNA sample were obtained from 157 subjects and analysis was performed using real-time PCR. Allele and genotype frequencies were compared using a t-test and the Pearson chi-square analysis, respectively. There were no significant differences in OCT3 allele or genotype frequencies between the depressed and non-depressed groups for all seven SNPs evaluated.
Serum Fructosamine, Total Cholesterol, and High-Density Lipoprotein in Children with Asthma during Glucocorticoid Treatment
Authors: Schou A. J. , Wolthers O. D.
Published: August 2011

Background/Aims. Glucocorticoids may have adverse effects on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. The present study was conducted to investigate possible effects on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism of inhaled and oral glucocorticoids in children with asthma. Methods. Two randomised controlled trials with blinded crossover designs were performed. Active treatment was 400 μg inhaled budesonide or 5 mg prednisolone orally daily during one week. The budesonide trial included 17 and the prednisolone trial 20 school children. Serum fructosamine, total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein were assessed. Results. Serum fructosamine was increased during active treatment (prednisolone 252.3 μM versus placebo 247.3 μM; P = 0.03 and budesonide 228.1 μM versus no treatment 223.1 μM; P = 0.02). Total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein were not statistically significantly increased. Conclusion. Short-term treatment with oral prednisolone and inhaled budesonide may adversely affect mean blood glucose concentration. Possible long-term consequences require further investigations.
Minimum Group Congruences on Eventually Regular Semigroups
Authors: Yu Wang , ZhiXiang Yin
Published: August 2011

An eventually regular semigroup is a semigroup in which some power of any element is regular. The minimum group congruence on an eventually regular semigroup is investigated by means of weak inverse. Furthermore, some properties of the minimum group congruence on an eventually regular semigroup are characterized.
Does Radioiodine Therapy in Patients with Differentiated Thyroid Cancer Increase the Frequency of Another Malignant Neoplasm?
Authors: Hirosawa Renata Midori , Marivo Monica , Luengo Juliana de Moura Leite , Tagliarini Jose Vicente , Castilho Emanuel Cellice , Marques Mariangela de Alencar , Kiy Yoshio , Marone Marilia Martins Silveira , Silveira Liciana Vaz de Arruda , Mazeto Glaucia Maria Ferreira da Silva
Published: August 2011

Objectives. To compare the frequency of another primary malignancy in patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) who received radioiodine therapy or not (131I). Material and Methods. 168 cases of DTC patients were retrospectively evaluated as to the frequency of another neoplasia by comparing patients with and without it, taking into account clinical, laboratory, and therapeutic parameters. Results. Another primary malignancy occurred in 8.9% of patients. Of these, 53.3% showed the malignancy before 131I and 46.7% after it. By comparing both groups, the age at the moment of diagnosis of another neoplasia was 46.1 ± 20.2 years for the group before 131I therapy and of 69.4 ± 11.4 years for the group after it (P=0.02). Of the 148 patients treated with 131I, 4.7% developed another malignancy. The latter were older (61 ± 17 years) than those who did not show another cancer type (44.1 ± 14.2 years) (P<0.05). Conclusion. The frequency of another neoplasia found after 131I was similar to that found before 131I.
18F-FDG PET Imaging in the Evaluation of Treatment Response to New Chemotherapies beyond Imatinib for Patients with Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors
Authors: Stefanelli Antonella , Treglia Giorgio , Mirk Paoletta , Muoio Barbara , Giordano Alessandro
Published: August 2011

Aim. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG PET) is a powerful tool for staging and defining “good responders” to chemotherapy in tumor setting. Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are sarcoma involving gastrointestinal tract and may require a chemotherapy including imatinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor agent. Some GIST patients become refractory to imatinib; therefore, other tyrosine kinase inhibitors or concomitant chemotherapy may be considered for treatment. The aim of this paper is to assess if 18F-FDG PET imaging is a useful tool to evaluate treatment response to new chemotherapies beyond imatinib for GIST patients. Methods. We performed a review of the literature about the role of 18F-FDG PET in the evaluation of treatment response to new chemotherapies beyond imatinib for GIST patients. Results and Conclusions. 18F-FDG PET seems to be able to assess therapy response earlier than computed tomography (CT) imaging in imatinib refractory GIST patients treated with other agents. However, a dual modality PET-CT imaging is recommendable to achieve a better detection of all lesions.
Peptidomic Approaches to Study Proteolytic Activity
Authors: Lyons Peter J. , Fricker Lloyd D.
Published: August 2011

Peptidomics, the analysis of the peptide content of cells or tissues, can be used to study proteases in several ways. First, nearly all of the peptides detected in cells and tissues are proteolytic fragments of proteins. Analysis of the peptides therefore provides information regarding the proteolytic activities that occurred to generate the observed peptides. The use of quantitative peptidomic approaches allows the comparison of relative peptide levels in two or more different samples, which enables studies examining the consequences of increasing proteolytic activity (by enzyme activation or overexpression) or reducing proteolytic activity (by inhibition, knock down, or knock out). Quantitative peptidomics can also be used to directly test the cleavage specificity of purified proteases. For this, peptides are purified from the tissue or cell line of interest, incubated in the presence of various amounts of protease or in the absence of protease, and then analyzed by the quantitative peptidomics approach. This reveals which peptides are preferred substrates, which are products, and which are not cleaved. Collectively, these studies complement conventional approaches to study proteolytic activity and allow for a more complete understanding of an enzyme's substrate specificity. This unit describes the use of quantitative peptidomics in the analysis of the biological peptidome as well as in the in vitro analysis of peptidase activity. Curr. Protoc. Protein Sci. 65:18.13.1‐18.13.12. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Parameter tracking with partial forgetting method
Authors: Dedecius K. , Nagy I. , Kárný M.
Published: August 2011

This paper concerns the Bayesian tracking of slowly varying parameters of a linear stochastic regression model. The modelled and predicted system output is assumed to possess time‐varying mean value, whereas its dynamics are relatively stable. The proposed estimation method models the system output mean value by time‐varying offset. It formulates three extreme hypotheses on model parameters' variability: (i) no parameter varies; (ii) all parameters vary; and (iii) the offset varies. The Bayesian paradigm then provides a mixture as posterior distribution, which is appropriately projected to a feasible class. Exponential forgetting at ‘second’ hypotheses level allows tracking of slow variations of respective hypotheses.

The developed technique is an example of a general procedure called partial forgetting. Focus on a simple example allows to demonstrate essence of the approach. Moreover, it is important per se as it corresponds with a varying load of otherwise (almost) time‐invariant dynamic system. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sintered Hydroxyapatite/Polyetheretherketone Nanocomposites: Mechanical Behavior and Biocompatibility
Authors: Li Kai , Yeung Che Yan , Yeung Kelvin Wai Kwok , Tjong Sie Chin
Published: August 2011

Hydroxyapatite nanorods (nHA) are employed to fill polyetheretherketone (PEEK) composites. The PEEK/nHA nanocomposites containing 15.1–38.2 vol% nHA are fabricated by powder processing and sintering. Their mechanical, thermal and in vitro cell properties are investigated. The tensile strength and fracture strain of PEEK‐ nanocomposites filled with 21.6 and 29.2 vol% nHA match closely with those of human cortical bones. Sintered 15.1 and 29.2 vol% nHA/PEEK nanocomposites exhibit excellent biocompatibility. The 29.2 vol.% nHA/PEEK nanocomposite promotes adhesion and proliferation of mouse and human osteoblasts effectively.
Supported Graphene from Natural Resources: Easy Preparation and Applications
Authors: Ruiz‐Hitzky Eduardo , Darder Margarita , Fernandes Francisco M. , Zatile Ezzouhra , Palomares Francisco Javier , Aranda Pilar
Published: August 2011

Recent results demonstrating the possibility of preparing graphene‐like materials from natural resources such as sucrose (table sugar) and gelatin assembled to silica‐based porous solids without a requirement for reducing agents are discussed. The resulting materials show interesting characteristics, such as simultaneous conducting behavior afforded by the sp2 carbon sheets, together with chemical reactivity and structural features, provided by the silicate backbone, which are of interest for diverse high‐performance applications. The formation mechanism of supported graphene is still unclear, with further studies being needed to optimize its preparation following these green processes.
New fossils of the oldest North American euprimate Teilhardina brandti (Omomyidae) from the paleocene–eocene thermal maximum
Authors: Rose Kenneth D. , Chester Stephen G.B. , Dunn Rachel H. , Boyer Doug M. , Bloch Jonathan I.
Published: August 2011

More than 25 new specimens of Teilhardina brandti, one of the oldest known euprimates, are reported from earliest Eocene strata of the southern Bighorn Basin, Wyoming. The new fossils include the first upper dentitions, a dentary showing the lower dental formula for the first time, and the first postcrania ascribed to T. brandti (tarsals and terminal phalanges). The elongated navicular and long talar neck suggest that T. brandti was an active arboreal quadruped, and the terminal phalanges constitute the oldest evidence for nails in Euprimates. Phylogenetic analysis incorporating the new data indicates that T. brandti is more derived than T. belgica but less so than T. americana. The hypothesis that Teilhardina originated in Asia (T. asiatica) and dispersed westward to Europe (T. belgica) and then to North America (T. brandti and T. magnoliana) during the earliest Eocene Paleocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum is most consistent with available evidence, including the relative age of fossil samples and their stage of evolution. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis and characterization of a novel silicone containing vinylic macromonomer and its uses in the preparation of poly (silicone‐co‐styrene‐co‐butylacrylate) with montmorillonite nanocomposite emulsion
Authors: Naghash Hamid Javaherian , Hajati Farhad
Published: August 2011

A new silicone containing macromonomer, 4‐(methacrylamido) phenoxy polymethylhydrosiloxane (4‐MPMHS) with a vinyl group, was successfully synthesized. Then poly (silicone‐co‐styrene‐co‐butylacrylate) with montmorillonite, P (Si‐co‐St‐co‐BA) with MMT nanocomposite emulsion was prepared by in situ intercalative emulsion polymerization of styrene (St), butyl acrylate (BA), and 4‐MPMHS, in the presence of organic modified montmorillonite (OMMT) with different OMMT contents (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2 wt %). Potassium persulphate (KPS) was used as an initiator and sodium lauryl sulfoacetate (SLSA) and nonyl phenol ethylene oxide—40 U (NP‐40) were used as anionic and nonionic emulsifiers, respectively. The resulting macromonomer was characterized by elemental analysis, Fourier transformer infrared (FT‐IR), proton (1H NMR), and carbon (13C NMR) nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopes. The OMMT was characterized by FT‐IR and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The nanocomposite emulsions were characterized by using Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), laser light scattering, and surface tension method. Thermal properties of the copolymers were studied using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and then the effects of OMMT percent on the water absorption ratio and drying speed were examined. Results showed that OMMT could improve the properties of emulsion. In other words, the properties of nanocomposite emulsions were better when compared with those of the silicone‐acrylate emulsion. The property of nanocomposite emulsion containing 1 wt % OMMT was the best one, and the following advantages were obtained: smaller particle size, faster drying speed, smaller surface tension, and improved water resistance by the incorporation of OMMT. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Evaluation of an information source illustrated by a case study: Effect of screening for breast cancer
Authors: Hjørland Birger
Published: August 2011

It is argued that to evaluate an information source (e.g., a Wikipedia article), it is necessary to relate the content of that source to an interpretation of the state of knowledge at the research front (which is typically developing dynamically). In the research literature, there is a controversy about the effect of screening programs for breast cancer. This controversy is used to compare the value of Wikipedia with Encyclopedia Britannica and two Danish encyclopedias as information sources. It is argued that this method of examining information sources is preferable to other methods which have been suggested in the literature.
Microcarrier expansion of mouse embryonic stem cell‐derived neural stem cells in stirred bioreactors
Authors: Rodrigues Carlos A. V. , Diogo Maria Margarida , da Silva Cláudia Lobato , Cabral Joaquim M. S.
Published: August 2011

Neural stem cells (NSCs) are self‐renewing multipotent cells, able to differentiate into the phenotypes present in the central nervous system. Applications of NSCs may include toxicology, fundamental research, or cell therapies. The culture of floating cell clusters, called “neurospheres,” is widely used for the propagation of NSC populations in vitro but shows several limitations, which may be circumvented by expansion under adherent conditions. In particular, the derivation of distinct populations of NSCs from embryonic stem cells capable of long‐term culture under adherent conditions without losing differentiation potential was recently described. However, the expansion of these cells in agitated bioreactors has not been addressed until now and was the aim of this study. Selected microcarriers were tested under dynamic conditions in spinner flasks. Superior performance was observed with polystyrene beads coated with a recombinant peptide containing the Arg–Gly–Asp (RGD) motif (Pronectin F). After optimization of the culture, a 35‐fold increase in cell number was achieved after 6 days. High cellular viability and multipotency were maintained throughout the culture. The study presented here may be the basis for the development of larger scale bioprocesses for expansion of these and other populations of adherent NSCs, either from mouse or human origin.
Enhanced chondrogenic marker expression of human mesenchymal stem cells by interaction with both TGF‐β3 and hyaluronic acid
Authors: Bhang Suk Ho , Jeon Jeong‐Yi , La Wan‐Geun , Seong Jun Yeup , Hwang Jin Wook , Ryu Seong Eon , Kim Byung‐Soo
Published: August 2011

This study was designed to evaluate the additive effects of transforming growth factor‐beta3 (TGF‐β3) and hyaluronic acid (HA) on chondrogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). The hMSCs were cultured on collagen type I‐, HA‐, or fibronectin‐coated cell culture dishes with or without TGF‐β3 added to the culture medium. Four weeks after cell culture, chondrogenic differentiation of hMSCs was determined by evaluating the expression of cartilage‐specific markers using real‐time polymerase chain reaction, immunocytochemistry, and Western blot analysis. hMSCs cultured on HA‐coated dishes with TGF‐β3 supplementation revealed a prominent increase in collagen type II, aggrecan, and Sox9. When hMSCs were cultured without TGF‐β3 supplementation, only hMSCs cultured on HA‐coated dishes showed prominent expression of the cartilage‐specific markers. This study shows that chondrogenic differentiation of hMSCs can be enhanced additively by interactions with both a specific cell‐adhesion matrix and a soluble growth factor.
Dimensions of Judgment: Factor Analysis of Individual Differences
Authors: Weaver Elise A. , Stewart Thomas R.
Published: August 2011

In this paper, we explore a pattern of individual differences in performance on judgment tasks. One hundred participants completed a battery of standard judgment tasks, including multiple cue judgment and tasks based on the “heuristics and biases” and problem‐solving literature. Participants also completed tests of fluid and crystallized intelligence, forward digit span memory, and multiple cue probability learning. Confirmatory factor analyses indicated a two‐factor structure underlying performance on these tasks and tests. The two moderately correlated factors reflected a distinction between tasks requiring accurate judgments based on multiple cues (correspondence tasks) and those requiring coherent judgments (coherence tasks), in which probabilities are compared and combined. Measures of fluid and crystallized intelligence and forward digit span memory were correlated with both factors but were more associated with correspondence than with coherence. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Individual Differences in Graph Literacy: Overcoming Denominator Neglect in Risk Comprehension
Authors: Okan Yasmina , Garcia‐Retamero Rocio , Cokely Edward T. , Maldonado Antonio
Published: August 2011

Graph literacy is an often neglected skill that influences decision making performance. We conducted an experiment to investigate whether individual differences in graph literacy affect the extent to which people benefit from visual aids (icon arrays) designed to reduce a common judgment bias (i.e., denominator neglect—a focus on numerators in ratios while neglecting denominators). Results indicated that icon arrays more often increased risk comprehension accuracy and confidence among participants with high graph literacy as compared with those with low graph literacy. Results held regardless of how the health message was framed (chances of dying versus chances of surviving). Findings contribute to our understanding of the ways in which individual differences in cognitive abilities interact with the comprehension of different risk representation formats. Theoretical, methodological, and prescriptive implications of the results are discussed (e.g., the effective communication of quantitative medical data). Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhancing and inhibiting effects of benzenediols on chemiluminescence of a novel cyclometallated iridium(III) complex
Authors: Dong Yong Ping , Huang Li , Tong Bi Hai , Shi Ming Juan , Zhang Wang Bing , Zhang Qian Feng
Published: August 2011

A novel chemiluminescence (CL) system, including the cyclometallated iridium(III) complex {tris[1‐(2,6‐dimethylphenoxy)‐4‐(4‐chlorophenyl)phthalazine]iridium}, potassium permanganate and oxalic acid, is proposed for the determination of benzenediols. This method is based on the fact that hydroquinone and catechol exhibited an inhibiting effect, while resorcinol exhibited an enhancing effect on CL intensity. The optimum conditions for CL emission were investigated. Under optimal conditions, the detection limits of hydroquinone, catechol and resorcinol were 6.4 × 10−8, 2.7 × 10−9 and 8.1 × 10−7 mol/L, respectively. The method has been successfully applied to the determination of benzenediols in different types of water sample. The luminophors of the CL systems were all identified as the metal–ligand charge‐transfer (MLCT) excited state of the iridium complex. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Copper‐catalyzed divergent kinetic resolution of racemic allylic substrates
Authors: Pineschi Mauro , Bussolo Valeria DI , Crotti Paolo
Published: August 2011

When a racemic mixture is fully consumed the products may still be enantiomerically enriched. In particular, the regiodivergent kinetic resolution is a process in which a single chiral catalyst or reagent reacts with a racemic substrate to form regioisomers possessing an opposite configuration on the newly‐formed stereogenic centers. This review reports the major advances in the field of the copper‐catalyzed regiodivergent and stereodivergent kinetic resolution of allylic substrates with organometallic reagents. The chiral recognition matching phenomena found with particular allylic substrates with the absolute configuration of the chiral catalyst allows in some cases an excellent control of the regio‐ and stereoselectivity, sheding some light on the so‐called “black‐box” mechanism of a copper‐catalyzed asymmetric allylic alkylation. Chirality, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Polymerization of Vinylidene Difluoride in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Beginn Uwe , Najjar Reza , Ellmann Jürgen , Möller Martin
Published: August 2011

The preparation of poly(vinylidene fluoride) in supercritical carbon dioxide is investigated with mixtures of carbon dioxide and vinylidene difluoride alone, as well as in the presence of macromolecular stabilizers my means of turbidimetry, and gravimetric measurements. The morphology of the obtained poly(vinylidene fluoride) powder, and the molecular weight distribution of the polymer was used to distinguish between homogeneous polymerization, precipitation polymerization, and dispersion polymerization due to the added macromolecular stabilizers. The effect of stabilizers and reaction conditions on the predominating locus of polymerization is discussed.
Measurement and Prediction of the Thermal Conductivity of Ionic Liquids
Authors: Rausch Michael H. , Krzeminski Kamil , Assenbaum Daniel , Wasserscheid Peter , Leipertz Alfred , Fröba Andreas P.
Published: August 2011

Die Wärmeleitfähigkeiten von sieben ionischen Flüssigkeiten (ILs) mit dem Kation [EMIM] (1‐Ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium) und vier ILs mit dem Anion [NTf2] (Bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imid) wurden mithilfe einer stationären Plattenapparatur im Temperaturbereich zwischen 0 und 80 °C gemessen. Auf dieser Grundlage wurde eine einfache Beziehung zwischen der Wärmeleitfähigkeit, der molaren Masse und der Dichte der ILs bei konstanter Temperatur gefunden, die als nützliches Hilfsmittel zur Abschätzung der Wärmeleitfähigkeit von beliebigen ILs dienen kann.
Ionic Liquids in Mechanical Engineering
Authors: Schlücker Eberhard , Wasserscheid Peter
Published: August 2011

Ionische Flüssigkeiten (ILs) bieten viele Möglichkeiten zur Verbesserung der Eigenschaften von Maschinen, die auf Schmierstoffe oder Betriebsflüssigkeiten angewiesen sind. Die hier vorgestellten Untersuchungen ergaben, dass verschiedene ILs geeignet sind, um z. B. Hochdruckprozesse effizienter zu machen und den Kraftstoffverbrauch von Verbrennungsmotoren zu senken. Es wird gezeigt, dass ionische Flüssigkeiten bei allen Maschinen mit Schmier‐ oder Betriebsflüssigkeiten Performanceverbesserungen bewirken können. Der einzige Hinderungsgrund für einen verbreiteten Einsatz ionischer Flüssigkeiten in der Maschinentechnik ist die oft vorhandene Korrosivität der ILs, die meist die Verwendung herkömmlicher Werkstoffe verbietet.
Lighting, indoor color, buying behavior and time spent in a store
Authors: Barlı Önder , Aktan Mehmet , Bilgili Bilsen , Dane Şenol
Published: August 2011

Relationship between a store's lighting and indoor color and the measures of buying and time spent were studied with a study group of 440 men and 478 women who were 20–60 years old (M = 29.3, SD = 10.2). Two types of lighting (soft and bright) and 5 indoor colors (blue, yellow, green, red, and white) were used. Green color and the time spent in the store were statistically significant positive effects on product purchase. Time spent in the store was positively associated with soft lighting conditions, but negatively associated by red indoor color. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 2011
Contention‐based geographic forwarding in asynchronous duty‐cycled wireless sensor networks
Authors: Cheng Long , Chen Canfeng , Ma Jian , Shu Lei
Published: August 2011

In asynchronous duty‐cycled wireless sensor networks, it is desirable that the data forwarding scheme is adaptive to the dynamics caused by the uncertainty of sensor nodes’ working schedules. Contention‐based forwarding is designed to adapt to the dynamic environments. In this work, we are interested in the contention‐based geographic forwarding (CGF) for two asynchronous duty‐cycling (ADC) models, which we refer to as uninterruptible ADC (U‐ADC) and interruptible ADC (I‐ADC). We propose a new residual time‐aware routing metric for CGF in the I‐ADC model and present a residual time‐aware forwarding scheme using this metric. We evaluate the performance of CGF in both asynchronous duty‐cycling models. Simulation results show that CGF in the U‐ADC model provides a shorter delivery delay while suffering from a high sender effective duty cycle problem. CGF in the I‐ADC model incurs a very long data delivery delay, but it can achieve a good load balancing among nodes. It is also demonstrated that the proposed residual time‐aware forwarding scheme lowers the effects of the performance degradation caused by the pure asynchronous duty‐cycling operation. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metabolites of lorazepam: Relevance of past findings to present day use of LC‐MS/MS in analytical toxicology
Authors: Turfus Sophie C. , Braithwaite Robin A , Cowan David A. , Parkin Mark C. , Smith Norman W. , Kicman Andrew T.
Published: August 2011

The advent of liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS), with the sensitivity it confers, permits the analysis of both phase I and II drug metabolites that in the past would have been difficult to target using other techniques. These metabolites may have relevance to current analytical toxicology employing LC‐MS/MS, and lorazepam was chosen as a model drug for investigation, as only the parent compound has been targeted for screening purposes. Following lorazepam administration (2 mg, p.o.) to 6 volunteers, metabolites were identified in urine by electrospray ionization LC‐MS/MS, aided by the use of deuterated analogues generated by microsomal incubation for use as internal chromatographic and mass spectrometric markers. Metabolites present were lorazepam glucuronide, a quinazolinone, a quinazoline carboxylic acid, and two hydroxylorazepam isomers, one of which is novel, having the hydroxyl group located on the fused chlorobenzene ring. The quinazolinone, and particularly the quinazoline carboxylic acid metabolite, provided longer detection windows than lorazepam in urine extracts not subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis, a finding that is highly relevant to toxicology laboratories that omit hydrolysis in order to rapidly reduce the time spent on gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) analysis. With hydrolysis, the longest windows of detection were achieved by monitoring lorazepam, supporting the targeting of the aglycone with free drug for those incorporating hydrolysis in their analytical toxicology procedures. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pietro Biginelli: The Man Behind the Reaction
Authors: Tron Gian Cesare , Minassi Alberto , Appendino Giovanni
Published: August 2011

The Biginelli dihydropyrimidine synthesis is one of the most important and oldest multicomponent reactions and has been extensively investigated in terms of application and mechanism. Surprisingly, little information is available on its discoverer, the Piedmontese chemist Pietro Biginelli, who also carried out the first studies on the purification and characterization of the (in)famous Gosio's gas. The reasons for the lack of a current biography on Biginelli can be traced back to his early demise from the research community. This, combined with the prematurity of bio‐organometallic chemistry and the scarce popularity of pyrimidines before the discovery of their biological relevance, resulted in a paradoxical situation that led Biginelli to be remembered mostly for his administrative merits and career. By capitalizing on original documentation retrieved in archives or provided by his family, we present an account of the life of this forgotten chemist in the context of his contemporary chemical research.
One‐Pot Regioselective Double‐Mannich Annulations Affording Azabicyclononanones as a Key Step in the Synthesis of Natural Products
Authors: Neochoritis Constantinos G. , Stephanidou‐Stephanatou Julia , Tsoleridis Constantinos A.
Published: August 2011

The first regioselective one‐pot syntheses of a number of azabicyclic ring systems (compounds 3) in very good yields, under green‐chemistry conditions in the presence of water without use of organic solvents, through acid‐catalysed double‐Mannich reactions from 2‐acetylcyclohexanone, ring‐substituted anilines and formaldehyde have been developed. In addition, treatment of the acetylazabicyclononanones 3 with hydrazine, methylhydrazine and hydroxylamine was thoroughly investigated, leading in the case of hydrazine to the formation of the pyrazole‐fused azatricyclic derivatives 6 as the main reaction products. In the cases of methylhydrazine and hydroxylamine, though, the tetrahydroindazoles 8 and 9 and the tetrahydrobenzisoxazoles 10, respectively, were obtained, through subsequent ring opening of the initially formed pyrazole‐ and oxazole‐fused azatricyclic ring systems. Plausible mechanistic schemes for the formation of compounds 8, 9 and 10 are proposed. Structure elucidation of the products and full assignment of all 1H and 13C NMR chemical shifts was accomplished by 1D and 2D NMR experiments. COSY H–H and COLOC C–H correlations as well as H–H coupling constants were analysed in detail in combination with conformational analysis to determine the final stereochemistries of products 3.
Air circulation in deep fractures and the temperature field of an alpine rock slope
Authors: Moore Jeffrey R. , Gischig Valentin , Katterbach Maren , Loew Simon
Published: August 2011

The subsurface temperature field of a rock slope is a key variable influencing both bedrock fracturing and slope stability. However, significant unknowns remain relating to the effect of air and water fracture flow, which can rapidly transmit temperature changes to appreciable depths. In this work, we analyze a unique set of temperature measurements from an alpine rock slope at ~2400 m a.s.l. in southern Switzerland. The monitored area encompasses part of an active slope instability above the village of Randa (VS) and is traversed by a network of open cracks, some of which have been traced to >80 m depth. We first describe distributed temperature measurements and borehole profiles, highlighting deep steady temperatures and different transient effects, and then use these data to approximate the conductive temperature field at the site. In a second step, we analyze the impact of air and water circulation in deep open fractures on the subsurface thermal field. On multiple visits to the study site in winter, we consistently noted the presence of warm air vents in the snowpack following the trace of deep tension cracks. Measurements showed that venting air changed temperature gradually from ~3 to 2 °C between December and May, which is similar to the rock temperature at around 50 m depth. Comparison with ambient air temperature suggests that winter conditions favor buoyancy‐driven convective air flow in these fractures, which acts to cool the deep subsurface as the rock gives up heat to incoming air. The potential impact of this process on the local thermal field is revealed by a disturbed temperature profile in one borehole and transient signals observed at depths well below the thermal active layer. Seasonal water infiltration during snowmelt appears to have little impact on the temperature field in the monitored area. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of biotic ligand models for chronic manganese toxicity to fish, invertebrates, and algae
Authors: Peters Adam , Lofts Stephen , Merrington Graham , Brown Bruce , Stubblefield William , Harlow Keven
Published: August 2011

Ecotoxicity tests were performed with fish, invertebrates, and algae to investigate the effect of water quality parameters on Mn toxicity. Models were developed to describe the effects of Mn as a function of water quality. Calcium (Ca) has a protective effect on Mn toxicity for both fish and invertebrates, and magnesium (Mg) also provides a protective effect for invertebrates. Protons have a protective effect on Mn toxicity to algae. The models derived are consistent with models of the toxicity of other metals to aquatic organisms in that divalent cations can act as competitors to Mn toxicity in fish and invertebrates, and protons act as competitors to Mn toxicity in algae. The selected models are able to predict Mn toxicity to the test organisms to within a factor of 2 in most cases. Under low-pH conditions invertebrates are the most sensitive taxa, and under high-pH conditions algae are most sensitive. The point at which algae become more sensitive than invertebrates depends on the Ca concentration and occurs at higher pH when Ca concentrations are low, because of the sensitivity of invertebrates under these conditions. Dissolved organic carbon concentrations have very little effect on the toxicity of Mn to aquatic organisms. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011;30:2407–2415. © 2011 SETAC
Structure–activity relationship study on the binding of PBDEs with thyroxine transport proteins
Authors: Yang Weihua , Shen Shide , Mu Lailong , Yu Hongxia
Published: August 2011

Molecular docking and three-dimensional quantitative structure–activity relationships (3D-QSAR) were used to develop models to predict binding affinity of polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) compounds to the human transthyretin (TTR). Based on the molecular conformations derived from the molecular docking, predictive comparative molecular similarity indices analysis (CoMSIA) models were developed. The results of CoMSIA models were as follows: leave-one-out (LOO) cross-validated squared coefficient q2 (LOO) = 0.827 (full model, for all 28 compounds); q2 (LOO) = 0.752 (split model, for 22 compounds in the training set); leave-many-out (LMO) cross-validated squared coefficient q2 (LMO, two groups) = 0.723 ± 0.100 (full model, for all 28 compounds); q2 (LMO, five groups) = 0.795 ± 0.030 (full model, for all 28 compounds); and the predictive squared correlation coefficient r2pred = 0.928 (for six compounds in the test set). The developed CoMSIA models can be used to infer the activities of compounds with similar structural characteristics. In addition, the interaction mechanism between hydroxylated polybrominated diphenyl ethers (HO-PBDEs) and the TTR was explored. Hydrogen bonding with amino acid residues Asp74, Ala29, and Asn27 may be an important determinant for HO-PBDEs binding to TTR. Among them, forming hydrogen bonds with amino acid residues Asp74 might exert a more important function. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011;30:2431–2439. © 2011 SETAC
Effects of β-endosulfan on the growth and reproduction of zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Han Zhihua , Jiao Shaojun , Kong Deyang , Shan Zhengjun , Zhang Xiaowei
Published: August 2011

Because of persistent organic pollution in aquatic environments, the widely used organochlorine pesticide endosulfan, which is a potential endocrine disruptor, is expected to pose a significant risk to aquatic organisms. In the present study, we explored the potential endocrine-disrupting risk of β-endosulfan by investigating its effect on the growth, reproduction, plasma vitellogenin, and organ histology of adult zebrafish. We found that, although β-endosulfan did not significantly affect the growth of zebrafish, it greatly decreased the hatching rate, even at a concentration as low as 10 ng/L. Interestingly, the decrease of the hatching rate was highly correlated with pathological alterations of the testes. Additionally, the values of the gonadosomatic index were significantly reduced in female zebrafish treated with 200 ng/L β-endosulfan, which was also closely associated with ovarian histological changes. More importantly, a significant increase in the level of vitellogenin was observed in all male fish treated with β-endosulfan. Based on these findings, we conclude that β-endosulfan severely affects the reproductive function of zebrafish and the synthesis of vitellogenin in the liver, and thus, β-endosulfan has a serious endocrine disruption function in zebrafish. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011;30:2525–2531. © 2011 SETAC