bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arctic and Antarctic sea ice acts as a sink for atmospheric CO2 during periods of snowmelt and surface flooding
Authors: Nomura Daiki , Granskog Mats A. , Assmy Philipp , Simizu Daisuke , Hashida Gen
Published: October 2013

In this study, we present evidence that Antarctic and Arctic sea ice act as sink for atmospheric CO2 during periods of snowmelt and surface flooding. The CO2 flux measured directly at the flooded sea ice surface (Fflood) constituted a net CO2 sink of −1.1 ± 0.9 mmol C m−2 d−1 (mean ± 1 SD), which was an order of magnitude higher than the flux measured at the snow‐air surface (Fsnow) and bare ice surface (Fice). The Fsnow/Fflood ratio decreased with increasing water equivalent of snow and superimposed‐ice, suggesting that the properties of snow and superimposed‐ice formation affect the magnitude of the CO2 flux. The Fsnow/Fflood ratio ranged from 0.1 to 0.5, illustrating that 50–90% of the potential flux at the flooded surface was reduced due to the presence of snow/superimposed‐ice. Hence, snow cover properties and superimposed‐ice play an important role in the CO2 fluxes across the sea ice‐snow‐atmosphere interface.
The angular distribution of energetic electron and X‐ray emissions from triggered lightning leaders
Authors: Schaal M. M. , Dwyer J. R. , Rassoul H. K. , Hill J. D. , Jordan D. M. , Uman M. A.
Published: October 2013

We investigate individual X‐ray bursts from lightning leaders to determine if energetic electrons at the source (and hence X‐rays) are emitted isotropically or with some degree of anisotropy. This study was motivated by the work of Saleh et al. (2009), which found the falloff of X‐rays in concentric radial annuli, covering all azimuthal directions in each annulus, from the lightning channel to be most consistent with an isotropic electron source. Here we perform a statistical analysis of angular and spatial distributions of X‐rays measured by up to 21 NaI/PMT detectors at the International Center for Lightning Research and Testing site for 21 leader X‐ray bursts from five leaders (including four dart‐stepped leaders and one dart leader). Two procedures were used to complete this analysis. Procedure 1 found the first‐order anisotropy, and procedure 2 tested whether or not the angular distribution was consistent with an isotropic distribution. Because higher‐order anisotropies could be present in the data, a distribution that is not isotropic does not necessarily have a significant first‐order anisotropy. Using these procedures, we find that at least 11 out of 21 X‐ray bursts have a statistically significant first‐order anisotropy, and hence those 11 are inconsistent with an isotropic emission. The remaining 10 bursts do not have significant first‐order anisotropy. However, of those 10 bursts, 9 are inconsistent with isotropic emission, since they exhibit significant higher‐order anisotropies. Since Saleh et al. (2009) did not consider anisotropies in the azimuthal direction, these new measurements of anisotropy do not necessarily contradict that work. Indeed, our analysis supports the finding that the X‐ray emissions from lightning are inconsistent with a vertically downward beam. The level of anisotropy of the runaway electrons is important because it provides, in principle, information on the streamer zone in front of the leader and the electric field near the lightning leader tip.
The effect of smoke emission amount on changes in cloud properties and precipitation: A case study of Canadian boreal wildfires of 2007
Authors: Lu Zheng , Sokolik Irina N.
Published: October 2013

We investigate the influence of wildfire smoke aerosols on cloud microphysics and precipitation using a coupled aerosol‐cloud microphysics‐meteorology model WRF‐Chem‐SMOKE. The Wildfire Automated Biomass Burning Algorithm products are used to compute “online” hourly size‐ and composition‐resolved smoke emission fluxes during Canadian boreal wildfires in the summer of 2007. Comparisons with Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer aerosol optical depth, Ozone Monitoring Instrument aerosol index, and Cloud‐Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation vertical feature mask demonstrate that WRF‐Chem‐SMOKE captures both the horizontal and vertical spatial distribution of smoke. However, estimated smoke emissions result in much lower aerosol optical depth values than those of observations (by about tenfold). Modeling experiments with varying amounts of smoke emissions of 5 to 10 times as high as the original load reveal that low smoke load favors the collision‐coalescence process at a certain stage, leading to either positive or negative changes in the cloud water path (CWP) relative to smoke‐free conditions. For high smoke emissions, changes in CWP are positive, as large as 0.5 kg/m2. A domain‐integrated increase in CWP is proportional to smoke loading. By contrast, both positive and negative changes in the rain water path (RWP) and the snow water path (SWP) are found. While domain‐integrated changes in RWP are negative, those in SWP go from negative to positive under a high smoke load. Higher smoke loadings suppress precipitation initially, because of smoke‐induced reduction of the collision‐coalescence and riming processes, but ultimately cause an invigoration of precipitation. We found that precipitation is highly sensitive to 3‐D smoke fields and varies in a nonlinear manner with smoke loads.
An efficient bandwidth sharing strategy through users' cooperation for multirate networks
Authors: El‐Ganainy Noha O. , El‐Khamy Said E.
Published: October 2013

This paper adopts an efficient strategy that allocates the network resources to the users according to the transmission rate requirement. Based on cooperation and the use of variable length spreading codes, the terminals requiring high transmission rate are supported by larger bandwidth and power in order to enhance their quality of service. The proposed resource allocation strategy assigns the terminals with low transmission rate to cooperate with those with high transmission rate by dedicating a part of their bandwidth and power to either relay their data or send a part of it. This will result in a slight limitation on the performance of the cooperating terminals (low rate). Two proposed schemes are presented namely the relaying strategy and re‐allocation strategy. These strategies are evaluated against the commonly used rate‐matching algorithm which constrains the terminals to fairly share the bandwidth regardless of the transmission rate. The proposed receiver is simple and efficient and the utilized spreading codes provide signal separation and limit multiple access interference MAI. In a CDMA‐based framework supporting multirate transmissions, a thorough performance assessment in terms of the error probability and the probability of outage is discussed for the considered strategies under different transmission conditions. The proposed strategies enhance the performance of the high rate user compared to the rate‐matching algorithm and slightly hold back the low rate user performance. Moreover, the re‐allocation strategy enhances the system capability to support higher transmission rate at no additional cost.
Inflammatory Changes of the Lumbar Spine in Children and Adolescents With Enthesitis‐Related Arthritis: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings
Authors: Vendhan Kanimozhi , Sen Debajit , Fisher Corinne , Ioannou Yiannis , Hall‐Craggs Margaret A.
Published: October 2013

Objective

To describe and profile abnormalities of the lumbar spine in a cohort of patients with enthesitis‐related arthritis (ERA) as compared to a control group of adolescents with mechanical back pain.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lumbar spine scans of 79 patients (58 cases, 21 controls). The study was covered by institutional review board approval and informed consent was obtained for review of all clinical investigations. Images were reviewed by an expert MRI reader who was blinded to clinical details. The presence or absence of morphologic features of enthesitis, apophyseal joint synovitis, and inflammation of posterior elements was assessed at each lumbar vertebral level. The apophyseal joint inflammation was graded from 0 to 3 using a grading system that was adapted from one used in adults with inflammatory facet osteoarthropathy. STATA software was used for data analysis.

Results

One or more abnormalities of the lumbar spine were found in 39 (67%) of 58 cases and sacroiliitis was present in 45 (78%) of the cases. Apophyseal joint synovitis was seen in 22 (38%) cases and in 1 (5%) control patient. This difference was highly significant (P = 0.004). Inflammatory changes in the interspinous ligaments were seen in a higher percentage of cases than controls and this observation was of statistical significance (P = 0.04).

Conclusion

Statistically significant inflammation of the lumbar apophyseal joints and interspinous ligaments was seen in our cohort of ERA patients, most of whom have concurrent sacroiliitis. This could be contributing to back pain in these patients.
Challenges in Diagnosing Muckle‐Wells Syndrome: Identifying Two Distinct Phenotypes
Authors: Kuemmerle‐Deschner Jasmin B. , Dembi Samba Samuel , Tyrrell Pascal N. , Koné‐Paut Isabelle , Marie Isabelle , Deschner Norbert , Benseler Susanne M.
Published: October 2013

Objective

The diagnosis of Muckle‐Wells syndrome (MWS) remains challenging due to the clinical heterogeneity and lack of diagnostic criteria. The aims of this study were to describe key elements of the diagnostic evaluation process in MWS and compare identified variables between patients diagnosed in childhood and adulthood.

Methods

A cohort study of consecutive patients with a clinical and genetic diagnosis of MWS was conducted at 2 reference centers for autoinflammatory diseases. Demographic information, clinical presentation, access to care, and preclinical evaluation variables were captured. Presenting symptoms were compared between groups of patients diagnosed in childhood and adulthood. Prediction analysis explored variables associated with late diagnosis. Correspondence analysis identified clinical phenotypes.

Results

A total of 34 MWS patients were included (16 males, 18 females) and median age at diagnosis was 31.5 years (range 0.5–75 years). Patients diagnosed during childhood reported musculoskeletal symptoms (62%), rash (62%), fever (54%), and abdominal pain (31%). Those diagnosed as adults described musculoskeletal symptoms (86%), rash (67%), hearing loss (52%), and fatigue (29%). Hearing loss was associated with late diagnosis, while access‐to‐care variables were not predictive. Correspondence analysis identified distinct clinical phenotypes as follows: an “inflammatory phenotype” (most commonly seen in patients diagnosed in childhood and characterized by relapsing fever and abdominal pain), an intermediate phenotype, and an “organ‐disease” phenotype in patients diagnosed during adulthood and characterized by fatigue and hearing loss.

Conclusion

Distinct clinical phenotypes were identified in patients with MWS. These are closely related to age at diagnosis. The presence of these phenotypes has to be considered when developing diagnostic criteria for MWS.
Association of Knee Confidence With Pain, Knee Instability, Muscle Strength, and Dynamic Varus–Valgus Joint Motion in Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Skou Søren T. , Wrigley Tim V. , Metcalf Ben R. , Hinman Rana S. , Bennell Kim L.
Published: October 2013

Objective

To investigate associations between self‐reported knee confidence and pain, self‐reported knee instability, muscle strength, and dynamic varus–valgus joint motion during walking.

Methods

We performed a cross‐sectional analysis of baseline data from 100 participants with symptomatic and radiographic medial tibiofemoral compartment osteoarthritis (OA) and varus malalignment recruited for a randomized controlled trial. The extent of knee confidence, assessed using a 5‐point Likert scale item from the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, was set as the dependent variable in univariable and multivariable ordinal regression, with pain during walking, self‐reported knee instability, quadriceps strength, and dynamic varus–valgus joint motion during walking as independent variables.

Results

One percent of the participants were not troubled with lack of knee confidence, 17% were mildly troubled, 50% were moderately troubled, 26% were severely troubled, and 6% were extremely troubled. Significant associations were found between worse knee confidence and higher pain intensity, worse self‐reported knee instability, lower quadriceps strength, and greater dynamic varus–valgus joint motion. The multivariable model consisting of the same variables significantly accounted for 24% of the variance in knee confidence (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Worse knee confidence is associated with higher pain, worse self‐reported knee instability, lower quadriceps muscle strength, and greater dynamic varus–valgus joint motion during walking. Since previous research has shown that worse knee confidence is predictive of functional decline in knee OA, addressing lack of knee confidence by treating these modifiable impairments could represent a new therapeutic target.
Ultrathin Nanogenerators as Self‐Powered/Active Skin Sensors for Tracking Eye Ball Motion
Authors: Lee Sangmin , Hinchet Ronan , Lee Yean , Yang Ya , Lin Zong‐Hong , Ardila Gustavo , Montès Laurent , Mouis Mireille , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: October 2013

Ultrathin piezoelectric nanogenerator (NG) with a total thickness of ≈16 μm is fabricated as an active or self‐powered sensor for monitoring local deformation on a human skin. The NG was based on an anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) as an insulating layer grown on a thin Al foil by anodization, on which a thin film made of aligned ZnO nanowire compacted arrays is grown by solution chemistry. The performance of the NG is characterized with the assistance of the finite element method (FEM) simulation. The extremely thin NG is attached on the surface of an eyelid, and its output voltage/current characterizes the motion of the eye ball underneath. Since there is no external power needed for the operation of the NG, this self‐powered or active sensor can be effective in monitoring sleeping behavior, brain activities, and spirit status of a person as well as any biological associated skin deformation.
On the attainable region for process networks
Authors: Conner Jeremy A. , Manousiouthakis Vasilios I.
Published: October 2013

In this work the attainable region (AR) concept for process networks with outlet flow rate specifications is introduced for the first time. For process unit models to which the infinite dimensional State‐space conceptual framework is applicable, it is shown that identification of AR boundary membership is equivalent to feasibility assessment of an infinite linear program (ILP). A number of important AR properties are then theoretically established, including AR convexity, and representation of the AR in a concentration state space of reduced dimension. Finite dimensional approximations of the aforementioned ILP are then employed in creating increasingly accurate approximations of the AR. A case study for the vapor‐liquid equilibrium‐based separation of a ternary azeotropic mixture is used to illustrate the proposed method. The quantified two‐ and four‐Dimensional ARs indicate that acetone mole fractions above 0.79 (acetone/methanol azeotrope) are attainable for the considered outlet flow rate ratios. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 60: 193–212, 2014
Interstitial deletion of 3p22.3p22.2 encompassing ARPP21 and CLASP2 is a potential pathogenic factor for a syndromic form of intellectual disability: A co‐morbidity model with additional copy number variations in a large family
Authors: Marangi Giuseppe , Orteschi Daniela , Milano Valentina , Mancano Giorgia , Zollino Marcella
Published: October 2013

We describe a family in which four individuals (the mother and three children) presented with an overlapping phenotype of minor physical anomalies and intellectual disability. Four previously unreported copy number variants were found inherited either from the affected mother or from the healthy father, consisting of a 3p22.3p22.2 deletion (2.5 Mb), a 3p24.3 deletion (0.55 Mb), a 6q22.31 duplication (0.74 Mb), all maternally inherited, and an 18q11.2 duplication (0.276 Mb) which was paternally inherited. The deletions on chromosome 3 were both found to segregate with the disease. However, being the 0.55 Mb deleted segment on 3p24.3 devoid of genes, we considered that the 2.5 Mb deletion on 3p22.3p22.2 acts as major pathogenic rearrangement in this condition. Among the transcribed genes residing in this interval, ARPP21 and CLASP2 are proposed as good candidate genes on the basis of their functional properties. A co‐morbidity role for the other small rearrangements detected in the affected individuals in association with the 3p22.3p22.2 deletion is also suggested, according to a second‐side model of pathogenesis. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Die Wissenschaft von Proteinen im Reich der organischen Chemie begründen: Totalsynthese von SEP (synthetisches Erythropoeseprotein)
Authors: Kent Stephen B. H.
Published: October 2013

Erythropoietin, bekannt als EPO, ist ein hormonelles Glycoprotein, das die Produktion von roten Blutkörperchen stimuliert. Rekombinantes EPO wurde als “die wohl erfolgreichste Droge, die durch die Revolution der rekombinanten DNA‐Technologie hervorgebracht wurde”, beschrieben. In jüngerer Zeit hat das EPO‐Glycoproteinmolekül eine Renaissance als bedeutendes Ziel der organischen Synthesechemie erfahren. In diesem Kurzaufsatz möchte ich auf frühere wichtige Arbeiten zur chemischen Synthese eines maßgeschneiderten EPO‐Analogons eingehen, das volle biologische Aktivität und verbesserte pharmakokinetische Eigenschaften aufwies. Das Design und die Synthese dieses “synthetischen Erythropoeseproteins” waren damals ihrer Zeit voraus und haben in den letzten Monaten wieder neue Bedeutung gewonnen. Ich möchte hier die Geschichte einer der wesentlichen Leistungen der Synthesechemie etwas detaillierter dokumentieren, als es in der Primärliteratur möglich ist, wobei auch auf den heutigen Kontext eingegangen werden soll.
Graphene Analogues of Inorganic Layered Materials
Authors: Rao C. N. R. , Ramakrishna Matte H. S. S. , Maitra Urmimala
Published: October 2013

The discovery of graphene has created a great sensation in chemistry, physics, materials science, and related areas. The unusual properties of graphene have aroused interest in other layered materials, such as molybdenum sulfide and boron nitride. In the last few years, single‐ as well as few‐layer as well as chalcogenides and other inorganic materials have been prepared and characterized by a variety of methods. These materials possess interesting properties, and some have potential applications. This Review provides an up‐to‐date account of these emerging two‐dimensional nanomaterials. Not only are the synthesis and characterization covered, but also important aspects such as spectroscopic and optical properties, magnetic and electrical properties, as well as applications. Salient features of the composites formed from the layered inorganic structures with graphene and polymers are presented along with a brief description of borocarbonitrides.
The Role of China in Asia's Evolution to Global Economic Prominence
Authors: Das Dilip K
Published: October 2013

The objective of this article is to show how China's rapid growth was instrumental in integrating Asian economies with each other and mutually supporting rise of a dynamic Asia. It demonstrates the thorough structural transformations that the Chinese and Asian economies underwent over the last three decades. In a short span of three decades Chinese economy made a sizeable regional and global niche for itself. China's vertiginous growth became instrumental in integrating the real economies in the region. China and the neighbouring Asian economies influenced and shaped each other's economic evolution. Trade, foreign direct investment (FDI) and vertically integrated production networks were the principal channels of market‐led integration. China's rise as a regional economic power, before becoming a global one, was a substantially significant economic event. A defining moment in China's economic relationship with its Asian neighbours was the outbreak of the regional financial crisis in 1997–98. Similarly when the global financial crisis (2007–09) struck, China's macroeconomic fundamentals were strong, and it helped propel regional growth. In several other important ways, China sways not only the regional economies but also the global economy.
Escaping a Rising Tide: Sea Level Rise and Migration in Kiribati
Authors: Wyett Kelly
Published: October 2013

The inundation of an entire nation due to anthropogenic climate change has never been seen. And the low‐lying Pacific nation of Kiribati is likely to be among the first victims of such a disaster. As such, this article examines a number of strategies for the relocation of Kiribati, and finds that bilateral migration deals with Australia and New Zealand present the best policy option. First, bilateral agreements can be designed to allow for pre‐emptive and planned migration. Second, as relatively large countries with low population densities, Australia and New Zealand are in the best place to absorb large numbers of migrants. Third, with a history of migration, and support for the Pacific islands combating climate change, there is scope for bilateral deals to be politically supportable. Fourth, as the wealthiest countries in the region, and with developed capacities in refugee resettlement, these governments are most able to implement a migration deal. Of course, the challenge of climate change migration is larger than Kiribati. Some estimates suggest that more than 200 million people may be displaced by climate change by 2050. When this is taken into account, getting policy right in Kiribati takes on added importance, as the way the international community handles this challenge is likely to set a global precedence.
CD21−/low Marginal Zone B Cells Highly Express Fc Receptor–like 5 Protein and Are Killed by Anti–Fc Receptor–like 5 Immunotoxins in Hepatitis C Virus–Associated Mixed Cryoglobulinemia Vasculitis
Authors: Terrier Benjamin , Nagata Satoshi , Ise Tomoko , Rosenzwajg Michelle , Pastan Ira , Klatzmann David , Saadoun David , Cacoub Patrice
Published: October 2013

Objective

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is associated with B cell lymphoproliferative disorders, including mixed cryoglobulinemia (MC) vasculitis and B cell non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma. The expansion of clonal and autoreactive rheumatoid factor–bearing CD21−/low marginal zone (MZ) B cells was demonstrated in patients with HCV‐associated MC vasculitis. Fc receptor–like (FCRL) proteins comprise a family of immunoregulatory proteins preferentially expressed on B lineage cells. The goal of this study was to investigate the expression of FCRL proteins 1–5 on B cells from patients with HCV‐associated MC vasculitis.

Methods

Expression of FCRL proteins 1–5 was assessed by flow cytometry on B cells from 15 HCV‐infected patients with type II MC (7 of whom had B cell non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma), 20 HCV‐infected patients without MC, and 20 healthy donors. To evaluate FCRL‐5 as an immunotherapy target in HCV‐associated MC vasculitis, 2 anti–FCRL‐5 recombinant immunotoxins were produced using anti–FCRL‐5 monoclonal antibodies and Pseudomonas exotoxin.

Results

Expression of FCRLs 2, 3, and 5 was markedly increased while expression of FCRL‐1 was decreased on clonal CD21−/low MZ B cells, as compared with other B cell subsets, from HCV‐infected patients and healthy donors. However, there was no difference in the pattern of FCRL expression between HCV‐MC patients with lymphoma and those without lymphoma. The anti–FCRL‐5 immunotoxins showed specific cytotoxicity against FCRL‐5–expressing clonal CD21−/low MZ B cells isolated from HCV‐infected patients as well as FCRL‐5–transfected cell lines. No cytotoxicity against T cells or conventional B cells was observed.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that FCRL‐5–targeting therapies could be a specific treatment for HCV‐associated MC vasculitis and other FCRL‐5–positive autoimmune B cell disorders.
Evolution of Etching Kinetics and Directional Transition of Nanowires Formed on Pyramidal Microtextures
Authors: Chen Chia‐Yun , Li Liyi , Wong Ching‐Ping
Published: October 2013

Two‐scale roughened silicon (Si) textures are considered promising architectures for versatile applications because of their excellent self‐cleaning, light‐trapping, and biosensing capacities. In this study, we explore the directional control of nanowires formed on pyramidal microtextures through a single‐step metal‐assisted chemical etching (MACE). The measured current density of Si dissolution at catalytic etching enables quantitative monitoring of the etching kinetics of nanowire formation. The preferential orientation of fabricated nanowires on {111}‐plane pyramidal textures was found to positively correlate with the molar ratio of [AgNO3] to ([AgNO3]+[HF]), referred to as ρ. A distinct transition from <100> to <111> axial directions at ρ≥0.2 and ρ=0.07, respectively, was revealed. The <111>‐oriented nanowires on the pyramidal microtextures exhibited an excellent antireflection performance, with a reflectivity as low as 1.2 % at 600 nm. The results of this study may aid the design for the development of high‐performance Si‐based optoelectronic devices.
Binding study of lysozyme with Al(III) using chemiluminescence analysis
Authors: Liu Jiangman , Luo Kai , Song Zhenghua
Published: October 2013

The binding behavior of lysozyme with Al(III) is described using luminol as a luminescence probe by flow injection–chemiluminescence (FI–CL) analysis. It was found that the CL intensity of the luminol–lysozyme reaction could be markedly enhanced by Al(III), and the increase in CL intensity was linear with the Al(III) concentration over the range 0.3–30.0 pg mL−1, with a detection limit of 0.1 pg mL−1 (3σ). Based on the interaction model of lysozyme with Al(III), lg[(I − I0)/(2I0 − I)] = lgK + nlg[M], the binding constant K = 6.84 × 106 L mol–1 and the number of binding sites (n) = 0.76. The relative standard deviations were 3.2, 2.4 and 2.0% for 10.0, 20.0 and 30.0 pg mL−1 Al(III) (n = 7), respectively. This new method was successfully applied to continuous, quantitative monitoring of picogram level Al(III) in human saliva following oral intake of compound aluminum hydroxide tablets. It was found that Al(III) in saliva reached a maximum of 101.2 ng mL−1 at 3.0 h. The absorption rate constant ka, elimination rate constant k and half‐life time t1/2 of Al(III) were 1.378 h−1, 0.264 h−1 and 2.624 h, respectively. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of a novel diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 inhibitor, 2‐[4‐(4‐{5‐[2‐phenyl‐5‐(trifluoromethyl) oxazole‐4‐carboxamido]‐1H‐benzo[d]imidazol‐2‐yl} phenyl) cyclohexyl] acetic acid (KR‐69232) in rat plasma using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry and its application to a pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Seo Hyewon , Choi Sung Heum , Kwak Eun‐Young , Zheng Zhi , Kwak Hyun Jung , Ahn Jin Hee , Lee Yong‐Moon , Ahn Sung‐Hoon , Bae Myung Ae , Song Jin Sook
Published: October 2013

A liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and validated for the quantification of KR‐69232, a diacyltransferase 1 inhibitor, in rat plasma. KR‐69232 in the concentration range of 0.004–4 µg/mL was linear. The intra‐and inter‐day precision and accuracy were acceptable (<20%). KR‐69232 was stable under various storage and handling conditions. The method was applied successfully in a pharmacokinetic study of KR‐69232 in rats. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simultaneous quantification of methylene blue and its major metabolite, azure B, in plasma by LC‐MS/MS and its application for a pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Kim Soo‐Jin , Ha Dong‐Jin , Koo Tae‐Sung
Published: October 2013

A simple and sensitive liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) method was developed for the quantification of methylene blue (MB) and its major metabolite, azure B (AZB), in rat plasma. A simple protein precipitation using acetonitrile was followed by injection of the supernatant on to a Zorbax HILIC Plus column (3.5 µm, 2.1 × 100 mm) with isocratic mobile phase consisting of 5 mM ammonium acetate in 10:90 (v/v) water:methanol at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min and detection in positive ionization mode. The standard curve was linear over the concentration range from 1 to 1000 ng/mL for MB and AZB with coefficient of determination above 0.9930. The lower limit of quantification was 1 ng/mL using 20 μL of rat plasma sample. The intra‐ and inter‐assay precision and accuracy were <12%. The developed analytical method was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic study of MB and AZB in rats. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Blood pressure fluctuation and hypertension in patients with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Tsukamoto Tetsuro , Kitano Yoshimi , Kuno Sadako
Published: October 2013

Objectives

Blood pressure (BP) abnormalities have been known in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. The present study aimed at determining how the BPs of PD patients fluctuate in a day.

Methods

A total of 37 PD patients and 44 OD (other disease) patients, all of who were inpatients, were monitored every 30 min by 24‐h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM).

Results

The average systolic BP and the number of patients who showed postprandial hypotension were not different between the two groups. However, occurrence of nocturnal hypertension, BP fluctuation of over 100 mmHg in a day and BP of over 200 mmHg were significantly more frequently observed in the PD patients than in the OD patients. In the PD patients, these parameters were not different between those who were suffering from the disease for less than 10 years and those with the disease for 10 years or longer, as well as between those who had a Hoehn–Yahr staging scale of 2–3 and those with a scale of 4–5.

Conclusion

Twenty‐four‐hour ABPM, not BP measurement once a day, enables us to determine the actual BP in PD patients. Although hypotension is a severe risk factor for falling and syncope, we emphasize the importance of monitoring rather hypertension and fluctuating BP in PD patients that may lead to a variety of other undesirable conditions. Management of hypotension, hypertension, and BP fluctuation is an important issue in the future.
Thalamo‐striato‐cortical determinants to fatigue in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Engström Maria , Flensner Gullvi , Landtblom Anne‐Marie , Ek Anna‐Christina , Karlsson Thomas
Published: October 2013

Background

The aim was to explore the thalamo‐striato‐cortical theory of central fatigue in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with self‐reported fatigue. If the theory correctly predicted fatigue based on disruptions of the thalamo‐striato‐cortical network, we expected altered brain activation in this network in MS participants while performing a complex cognitive task that challenged fatigue.

Methods

MS participants with self‐reported fatigue were examined by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during the performance of a complex working memory task. In this task, cognitive effort was challenged by a parametric design, which modeled the cerebral responses at increasing cognitive demands. In order to explore the theory of central fatigue in MS we also analyzed the cerebral responses by adding perceived fatigue scores as covariates in the analysis and by calculating the functional connectivity between regions in the thalamo‐striatocortical network. The main findings were that MS participants elicited altered brain responses in the thalamo‐striato‐cortical network, and that brain activation in the left posterior parietal cortex and the right substantia nigra was positively correlated to perceived fatigue ratings. MS participants had stronger cortical‐to‐cortical and subcortical‐to‐subcortical connections, whereas they had weaker cortical‐to‐subcortical connections.

Conclusions

The findings of the present study indicate that the thalamo‐striato‐cortical network is involved in the pathophysiology of fatigue in MS, and provide support for the theory of central fatigue. However, due to the limited number of participants and the somewhat heterogeneous sample of MS participants, these results have to be regarded as tentative, though they might serve as a basis for future studies.
Sustainable Project Finance, the Adoption of the Equator Principles and Shareholder Value Effects
Authors: Eisenbach Sebastian , Schiereck Dirk , Trillig Julian , von Flotow Paschen
Published: October 2013

Recent trends in the project finance industry include an increasing volume and a growing awareness of sustainable development. This has raised the question of whether and a how voluntary code of conduct such as the Equator Principles (EP) could enhance its impact on the project finance industry. We apply an event study methodology, and also consider the market model and conditional variance. We find positive abnormal returns for financial institutions adopting the EP, which supports the reputational risk hypothesis. Furthermore, we document that adopters outperform the global project finance market, especially in terms of market share. However, we do not find evidence that non‐adopters are excluded from lending syndicates. Results include practical recommendations for environmental policy. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
The Effects of Negative Incidents in Sustainability Reporting on Investors’ Judgments–an Experimental Study of Third‐party Versus Self‐disclosure in the Realm of Sustainable Development
Authors: Reimsbach Daniel , Hahn Rüdiger
Published: October 2013

This study examines how the disclosure of negative sustainability‐related incidents affects the investment‐related judgments of decision‐makers. Participants in a sequential 2 × 2 between‐subjects experiment first received a company's financial information before viewing additional sustainability information (by the company and by a non‐governmental organization (NGO); with and without negative disclosure). Results indicate that self‐reporting of negative incidents does not affect decision‐makers’ stock price estimates and investment decisions compared with judgments based on financial information only. However, third‐party disclosure of these incidents by a NGO has a negative affect on these investment‐related judgments. Furthermore, the magnitude of the NGO reporting effect depends on whether the company itself simultaneously reports these incidents. Thus, disclosing negative incidents in sustainability reporting could lose some of its apparent stigma. Instead of avoiding negative reporting altogether, managers might use it as a risk mitigation tool in their reporting strategy. The results also emphasize the power of the often‐mentioned ‘watchdog’ function of NGOs acting as stakeholder advocates. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Src controls castration recurrence of CWR22 prostate cancer xenografts
Authors: Su Bing , Gillard Bryan , Gao Lingqiu , Eng Kevin H. , Gelman Irwin H.
Published: October 2013

Recurrence of prostate cancer (CaP) after androgen‐deprivation therapy continues to have the greatest impact on patient survival. Castration‐recurrent (CR)‐CaP is likely driven by the activation of androgen receptor (AR) through multiple mechanisms including induction of AR coregulators, AR mutants or splice variants, and AR posttranslational modification such as phosphorylation by Src‐family and Ack1 tyrosine kinases. Here, we address whether Src is required for the CR growth of human CWR22 CaP xenografts. The shRNA‐mediated Src knockdown or treatment with the Src inhibitors, dasatinib or KXO1, reduced CaP recurrence over controls and increased time‐to‐recurrence following castration. Moreover, CR‐CaP [Src‐shRNA] tumors that recurred had similar Src protein and activation levels as those of parental cells, strengthening the notion that Src activity is required for progression to CR‐CaP. In contrast, the ability of dasatinib or KXO1 to inhibit Src kinase activity in vitro did not correlate with their ability to inhibit serum‐driven in vitro proliferation of CR and androgen‐dependent stable cell lines derived from CWR22 tumors (CWR22Rv1 and CWR22PC, respectively), suggesting that the in vitro proliferation of these CaP lines is Src independent. Taken together, these findings strongly suggest that Src is a potent and specific therapeutic target for CR‐CaP progression.
Attitudinal and behavioral resistance: A marketing perspective
Authors: Tinson Julie , Close Angeline , Tuncay Zayer Linda , Nuttall Peter
Published: October 2013

Resistance to ritual practice and related consumption behavior has been under‐researched in both marketing and consumer research, although it has significant implications for business and consumers. In this paper, the authors offer an explanation of attitudinal and behavioral resistance by reporting on the findings of a qualitative interpretative study of those self‐identifying as high school prom resistors. Four types of resistance are posited, that is, identity‐positioning resistors, identity‐protecting resistors, emotional resistors, and apathetic resistors. Characteristics of the typology are developed and consequences of their behaviors discussed. Theoretical and managerial consequences are proposed. Understanding resistance to prom may lead to improved service provision, better targeting of communication messages (e.g., advertising), overcoming event dilution as well as generating positive word of mouth, and reducing consumer regret. This research expands the theoretical understanding of attitudinal and behavioral resistance by bringing new evidence as to the individual and social identity processes by which resistance develops. This study helps to better understand opposition to positional consumption as well as extending our understanding of why individuals resist consumption and related practice. Two new concepts are also identified and discussed, namely “event dilution” and “regret through resistance”. Managerial implications (contextual and for marketplace rituals) are posited. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The function of Msx1 gene in promoting meiosis of dairy goat male germline stem cells (mGSCs)
Authors: Mu Hailong , Wu Jiang , Zhu Haijing , Li Na , Tang Furong , Yao Xi , Yang Churong , Peng Sha , Li Guangpeng , Hua Jinlian
Published: October 2013

During sequential stages of meiosis, numerous cytoplasmic and nuclear events take place in which many germline and non‐germline genes involved. It is demonstrated that the germline gene Stra8 and synaptonemal complex protein 3 (Scp3) play an important role in the meiosis. Recently, studies showed Msx1, a DNA‐binding protein taking part in the skeletal development, also having a functional attractive factor to Stra8 and Scp3 in the meiosis. In this study, we cloned the gene Msx1 then transfected the Msx1 constructed recombination plasmid, pMsx1‐Ires2‐AcGFP, into the dairy goat germline stem cells (male germline stem cells) and analysed the effects of Msx1 on the expression of Stra8 and Scp3. The results showed that Msx1 could enhance the expression of Stra8 and Scp3 and promote the meiosis in goat testicular cells. Bmp4 activated the expression of Msx1 and Stra8. This study suggests that Msx1 plays an important role in spermatogenesis and meiosis. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of Supercritical CO2 Pretreatment of Corn Stover with Ethanol‐Water as Co‐Solvent on Lignin Degradation
Authors: Lv H. , Yan L. , Zhang M. , Geng Z. , Ren M. , Sun Y.
Published: October 2013

The process of delignification during the pretreatment of corn stover in supercritical CO2 with ethanol‐water as co‐solvent was investigated. After pretreatment, many lignin droplets were found deposited on the fiber surface which hinder cellulose digestibility. These lignin droplets were removed by ethanol‐water and after washing the optimal glucose yield increased significantly. Lignin degradation reactions competed with condensation reactions during pretreatment. The cleavage of ether bonds and the high solubility of lignin fragments in ethanol‐water co‐solvent were the key factors for lignin removal and degradation behavior during pretreatment.
Physical Characterization of a Commercial Suspoemulsion as a Reference for the Development of Suspoemulsions
Authors: Santos J. , Trujillo L. A. , Calero N. , Alfaro M. C. , Muñoz J.
Published: October 2013

Viscoelasticity, low shear flow, microstructure, and physical stability of a commercial suspoemulsion pesticide are studied to serve as a point of reference for the development of new suspoemulsions. Creep compliance tests allow the zero‐shear rate viscosity, η0, to be calculated. As expected, the values of η0 decrease with temperature. The storage modulus is higher than the loss modulus until a crossover frequency, ω*, which is located at the lower frequencies studied. The dynamic parameters decrease with higher temperature and ω* increases in agreement with a faster relaxation mechanism. Multiple light scattering predicts the occurrence of a creaming destabilization process, whose kinetics depends on temperature. Rheological measurements are demonstrated to be a powerful tool to assist in the prediction of destabilization processes together with the multiple light scattering technique.
Surface Tensions of Carbonated 2‐Amino‐2‐methyl‐1‐propanol and Piperazine Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Fu D. , Liu F. , Li Z.
Published: October 2013

Surface tensions of carbonated 2‐amino‐2‐methyl‐1‐propanol (AMP) and piperazine (PZ) aqueous solutions were measured by a surface tension meter which employs the Wilhemy plate principle. A thermodynamic model was proposed to correlate the surface tensions of both CO2‐unloaded and CO2‐loaded aqueous solutions by introducing the contribution of CO2 loading into the formulation of surface tension. Based on experiments and calculations, the effects of temperature, mass fractions of amines, and CO2 loading on surface tensions of carbonated aqueous solutions were demonstrated.
Theoretical advances on coefficients of relational agreement: application to cheminformatics as k‐way biomolecular similarity measures
Authors: Rivera‐Borroto Oscar Miguel , García‐de la Vega José Manuel , Hernández‐Díaz Yoandy
Published: October 2013

We provide formal proofs on the partial ordering among chance‐corrected bivariate coefficients of relational agreement. Moreover, we prove that the non‐corrected (chance‐corrected) general formula of multivariate relational agreement is the weighted average of the corresponding non‐corrected (chance‐corrected) general formula of bivariate relational agreement, thus allowing to obtain a specific relationship between each multivariate coefficient and its corresponding bivariate coefficient for seven metric scales of measurements (absolute, difference, ratio, interval, log‐ratio, log‐interval, and ordinal). As a consequence, we report seven newly multivariate coefficients in the literature. Afterwards, eight multivariate coefficients are applied as k‐way biomolecular similarity relations to cheminformatics in order to show their usefulness for discriminating between active and inactive biomolecules. The integration of this type of coefficients into operative virtual screening tools and the generalization to higher‐degree polynomial relationships are discussed in the last part of the paper. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigation of Functionalized α‐Chloroalkyllithiums for a Stereospecific Reagent‐Controlled Homologation Approach to the Analgesic Alkaloid (−)‐Epibatidine
Authors: Emerson Christopher R. , Zakharov Lev N. , Blakemore Paul R.
Published: October 2013

Four putative functionalized α‐chloroakyllithiums RCH2CHLiCl, where R=CHCH2 (18 a), CCH (18 b), CH2OBn (18 c), and CH[O(CH2)2O] (18 d), were generated in situ by sulfoxide–lithium exchange from α‐chlorosulfoxides, and investigated for the stereospecific reagent‐controlled homologation (StReCH) of phenethyl and 2‐chloropyrid‐5‐yl (17) pinacol boronic esters. Deuterium labeling experiments revealed that α‐chloroalkyllithiums are quenched by proton transfer from their α‐chlorosulfoxide precursors and it was established that this effect compromises the yield of StReCH reactions. Use of α‐deuterated α‐chlorosulfoxides was discovered to ameliorate the problem by retarding the rate of acid‐base chemistry between the carbenoid and its precursor. Carbenoids 18 a and 18 b showed poor StReCH efficacy, particularly the propargyl group bearing carbenoid 18 b, the instability of which was attributed to a facile 1,2‐hydride shift. By contrast, 18 d, a carbenoid that benefits from a stabilizing interaction between O and Li atoms gave good StReCH yields. Boronate 17 was chain extended by carbenoids 18 a, 18 b, and 18 d in 16, 0, and 68 % yield, respectively; α‐deuterated isotopomers D‐18 a and D‐18 d gave yields of 33 and 79 % for the same reaction. Double StReCH of 17 was pursued to target contiguous stereodiads appropriate for the total synthesis of (−)‐epibatidine (15). One‐pot double StReCH of boronate 17 by two exposures to (S)‐D‐18 a (≤66 % ee), followed by work‐up with KOOH, gave the expected stereodiad product in 16 % yield (d.r.∼67:33). The comparable reaction using two exposures to (S)‐D‐18 d (≤90 % ee) delivered the expected bisacetal containing stereodiad (R,R)‐DD‐48 in 40 % yield (≥98 % ee, d.r.=85:15). Double StReCH of 17 using (S)‐D‐18 d (≤90 % ee) followed by (R)‐D‐18 d (≤90 % ee) likewise gave (R,S)‐DD‐48 in 49 % yield (≥97 % ee, d.r.=79:21). (R,S)‐DD‐48 was converted to a dideuterated isotopomer of a synthetic intermediate in Corey’s synthesis of 15.
Anion Sensing by Solution‐ and Surface‐Assembled Osmium(II) Bipyridyl Rotaxanes
Authors: Lehr Joshua , Lang Thomas , Blackburn Octavia A. , Barendt Timothy A. , Faulkner Stephen , Davis Jason J. , Beer Paul D.
Published: October 2013

We report the preparation of [2]rotaxanes containing an electrochemically and optically active osmium(II) bipyridyl macrocyclic component mechanically bonded with cationic pyridinium axles. Such interlocked host systems are demonstrated to recognise and sense anionic guest species as shown by 1H NMR, luminescence and electrochemical studies. The rotaxanes can be surface assembled on to gold electrodes through anion templation under click copper(I)‐catalysed Huisgen cycloaddition conditions to form rotaxane molecular films, which, after template removal, respond electrochemically and selectively to chloride.
Origin of the Superior Performance of (Thio)Squaramides over (Thio)Ureas in Organocatalysis
Authors: Lu Tongxiang , Wheeler Steven E.
Published: October 2013

The Diels–Alder cycloaddition of anthracene and nitrostyrene catalyzed by the squaramide‐derived aminocatalysts (Sq) recently reported by Jørgensen and co‐workers (Angew. Chem.­ 2012, 124, 10 417; Angew. Chem. Int. Ed.­ 2012, 51, 10 271) has been studied by using modern tools of computational quantum chemistry. This catalyst is compared with analogous urea‐, thiourea‐, and thiosquaramide‐derived aminocatalysts. Ultimately, a thiosquar‐amide‐derived catalyst is predicted to result in the lowest free‐energy barrier, while retaining the same high degree of enantioselectivity as Sq. This stems in part from the superior hydrogen‐bonding ability of thiosquaramides, compared to squaramides and (thio)ureas. We also examine the hydrogen‐bonding ability of (thio)ureas and (thio)‐squaramides in model complexes. In contrast to previous work, we show that aromaticity does not contribute significantly to the enhanced hydrogen‐bonding interactions of squaramides. Overall, thiosquaramide, which has not been explored in the context of either organocatalysis or molecular recognition, is predicted to lead to strong, co‐planar hydrogen bonds, and should serve as a potent hydrogen‐bonding element in a myriad of applications.