bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gestione Delle Lesioni Iatrogene Ginecologiche di Pertinenza Urologica. Cause e Prevenzione Delle Complicanze: Il Parere del Ginecologo
Authors: Jasonni Valerio.M. , Matonti Giuseppe
Published: January 2013

Objective

To detect and prevent urinary tract injuries in gynecological surgery.

Methods

A brief review of the literature about recognition and prevention of ureteral and bladder injuries.

Results

It is well known that factors as intra-operative bleeding, pelvic adhesions and infections, pelvic masses, endometriosis and obesity can make surgery difficult. For these reasons the study of the urinary tract and the use of ureteral catheters may be helpful when alterations of the urinary tract anatomy is suspected. However the surgeon should always operate under direct vision of the ureters with a judicious use of diathermy and taking care when separating bladder from the uterus where the blunt dissection is blind and dangerous. When there are some doubts about the integrity of ureters, the control with i.v. infusion of indigo-carmine or with ureteral catheters should be performed. The same applies for the bladder: the cystoscopy should be in the armamentarium of gynecological surgeons to control the ureteral efflux and the bladder integrity. To fill the bladder with methylene blue at the end of the surgery is also helpful in revealing, under the pressure, even very small lesions as well as partial thickness of the bladder that can cause a delayed fistula.

Conclusions

Surgeons' training is the most important factor in avoiding and detecting urinary tract injuries. This is important not only for the technique but also in the selection of patients, and then in planning the more appropriate pre-operative study and in recognizing the presence of injuries during surgery.
Discrete Choice Model of Agricultural Shipper's Mode Choice
Authors: Mitra Subhro
Published: January 2013

This article presents disaggregate mode choice model for shippers of agricultural freight. We have used disaggregated revealed preference (RP) data of grain movement from elevators to develop the model. The utility function includes attributes of the modes, attributes of the shippers, and interaction between the two. We initially estimate the mode choice probability assuming the random component of the utility function to have logit distribution. Price agreement between shippers and carriers, variation of railcars availability, and variation of equipment ownership annul the assumptions of the logit model. To overcome this problem we introduced heteroscedastic extreme value model, probit model and mixed-logit model. Based on estimated McFadden's likelihood ratio, it is observed that probit model is the best fit. We estimated demand elasticity to assess the sensitivity of mode choice probability to changes in cost of shipment, elevator capacity and quantity of shipment. To validate the model's prediction accuracy we estimated hit ratio of the forecast mode choice for individual shipment; the result was satisfactory.
Evaluating Capacity Utilization Options for US West Coast Container Ports
Authors: Maloni Michael , Paul Jomon Aliyas
Published: January 2013

As global trade continues to recover from the recent economic recession, US container port congestion experienced in the last decade will likely re-emerge. Yet there is limited research that examines network-wide port capacity in support of solutions for minimizing such congestion. To address this gap, we simulate the US West Coast container port network, quantifying the costs and benefits of different options to better utilize current port capacity across the entire network. We specifically assess both efficiency improvement and operational coordination options on historical and future container volumes. The results demonstrate the strength of efficiency as a means to alleviate future port congestion. However, the results also portray inequitable savings across different stakeholders as well as difficulty among these stakeholders in perceiving actual benefits. We discuss the impacts of these challenges on implementation of the capacity utilization options.
Risk Management in Global Sourcing:
Authors: Manuj Ila
Published: January 2013

The purpose of this article is to compare academic research with industry practice in the area of global sourcing risk management and suggest directions for future research to help bridge the gap between the theory and the practice of global sourcing risk management. An extensive review of literature is employed to understand the current state of theory. Reports from supply chain audits of ten leading US companies are analyzed to document the current state of practice. Prominent themes from the two streams are compared to identify specific gaps. Several avenues for further research are identified based upon the areas of disconnect between theory and practice. Major findings and relationships identified contribute to building an integrated theory of global sourcing risk management.
Is Your Supply Chain Business Operation a Good Fit for Online Reverse Auctions?
Authors: Kumar Sameer
Published: January 2013

This industry note explores the benefits of online reverse auctions for both buyers and suppliers in contrast to the negative implications for procurement process. Information was gathered from numerous sources to create a comprehensive analysis of benefits and shortcomings of online reverse auctions. The argument presented shows a strong temptation for buyers to participate in online reverse auctions: price reductions. However, buyers should approach online reverse auctions with caution as total cost savings can be misleading and participation may result in damaged relationships with suppliers. Buyers' determination to use online reverse auctions relies on product specifications, supplier relationships, the current supply and demand environment, indirect costs, and several other factors that will vary for each product and for each buyer. Therefore, an all-encompassing decision model cannot be presented to accommodate each scenario. However, a generic framework is proposed for managers determining if participation in online reverse auctions is appropriate for their business. In practice, additional company specific information can be applied to the decision making model.

It may be noted, the research reported in professional literature on online reverse auctions does not offer a process for managers to follow when evaluating whether to implement online reverse auctions. This note includes a generic decision framework specifically for buyers as well as an abbreviated decision model for suppliers.
Pulmonary embolism hotline 2012
Authors: Lankeit M. , Konstantinides S.
Published: January 2013

Management of acute pulmonary embolism (PE) has advanced considerably in the past year, and progress is expected to continue in 2013. To help determine the optimal management strategy for normotensive patients with intermediate-risk PE, the Pulmonary Embolism Thrombolysis (PEITHO) study completed enrolment of 1006 patients with evidence of right ventricular dysfunction (by echocardiography or computed tomography) plus a positive troponin test. Patients have been randomised to thrombolytic treatment with tenecteplase versus placebo, and the effects on clinical end points (death or haemodynamic collapse) assessed at 7 and 30 days. The results are expected in spring 2013; long-term follow-up is also being performed. The results of a randomised trial on ultrasound- enhanced low-dose catheter-delivered thrombolysis will also become available soon. While optimisation of treatment with vitamin K antagonists incorporating pharmacogenetic testing is still being pursued, new oral anticoagulants are entering the field of PE treatment and secondary prophylaxis. Following the successful use of rivaroxaban as single oral drug therapy in the EINSTEIN-PE trial, the approval of this drug has recently been extended to cover, apart from deep vein thrombosis, PE as well. The apixaban (AMPLIFY) and edoxaban (HOKUSAI) trials have finished recruitment of PE patients, and their results will become available shortly. In the meantime, the AMPLIFY-EXT trial showed that both the therapeutic (5 mg twice daily) and the prophylactic dose (2.5 mg twice daily) of apixaban are effective and safe for longterm secondary prophylaxis after PE. For the extended prophylaxis (after the reommended initial anticoagulation period) of the (few) patients who are unable to tolerate any form of anticoagulation, low-dose asprin may be a safe albeit moderately efficacious option, as indicated by two recent investigator-initiated trials with a total of 1224 patients.
Human Acellular Dermis versus Submuscular Tissue Expander Breast Reconstruction: A Multivariate Analysis of Short-Term Complications
Authors: Davila Armando A. , Seth Akhil K. , Wang Edward , Hanwright Philip , Bilimoria Karl , Fine Neil , Kim John YS
Published: January 2013

Background Acellular dermal matrix (ADM) allografts and their putative benefits have been increasingly described in prosthesis based breast reconstruction. There have been a myriad of analyses outlining ADM complication profiles, but few large-scale, multi-institutional studies exploring these outcomes. In this study, complication rates of acellular dermis-assisted tissue expander breast reconstruction were compared with traditional submuscular methods by evaluation of the American College of Surgeon's National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) registry.

Methods Patients who underwent immediate tissue expander breast reconstruction from 2006-2010 were identified using surgical procedure codes. Two hundred forty tracked variables from over 250 participating sites were extracted for patients undergoing acellular dermis-assisted versus submuscular tissue expander reconstruction. Thirty-day postoperative outcomes and captured risk factors for complications were compared between the two groups.

Results A total of 9,159 patients underwent tissue expander breast reconstruction; 1,717 using acellular dermis and 7,442 with submuscular expander placement. Total complications and reconstruction related complications were similar in both cohorts (5.5% vs. 5.3%, P=0.68 and 4.7% vs. 4.3%, P=0.39, respectively). Multivariate logistic regression revealed body mass index and smoking as independent risk factors for reconstructive complications in both cohorts (P<0.01).

Conclusions The NSQIP database provides large-scale, multi-institutional, independent outcomes for acellular dermis and submuscular breast reconstruction. Both thirty-day complication profiles and risk factors for post operative morbidity are similar between these two reconstructive approaches.
Indications, Outcomes, and Complications of Pedicled Propeller Perforator Flaps for Upper Body Defects: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lazzeri Davide , Huemer Georg M. , Nicoli Fabio , Larcher Lorenz , Dashti Talal , Grassetti Luca , Li Qingfeng , Zhang Yixin , Spinelli Giuseppe , Agostini Tommaso
Published: January 2013

Background The aim of this investigation was to systematically review the current literature to provide the best data for indications, outcomes, survival, and complication rates of pedicled propeller perforator flaps for upper body defects.

Methods A comprehensive literature review for articles published from January 1991 to December 2011 was performed using the PubMed, Medline, and Cochrane Databases. Articles without available full-text, single case reports or papers with excessive missing data were excluded. Papers reporting pedicle-perforator (propeller) flaps used for lower extremity reconstruction were excluded from meta-analysis.

Results From the initial 1,736 studies our search yielded, 343 studies qualified for the second stage of selection. Of 117 full-text reports screened, 41 studies, met the definitive inclusion and exclusion criteria. Of the selected 41 articles, 26 were case series, original papers or retrospective reviews and were included, whereas 15 were case report papers and therefore were excluded. Two hundred ninety-five propeller flaps were reported to have been used in a total of 283 patients. Indications include repair of trauma-induced injuries, post-trauma revision surgery, cancer resection, chronic infection, pressure sores, and chronic ulcers with a major complication rate (3.3%) comparable to that of free flaps. No specific exclusion criteria for the procedure were presented in the studies reviewed.

Conclusions Pedicled propeller flaps are a versatile and safe reconstructive option that are easy and quick to raise and that provide unlimited clinical solutions because of the theoretical possibility of harvesting them based on any perforator chosen among those classified in the body.
Normative Measurements of Grip and Pinch Strengths of 21st Century Korean Population
Authors: Shim Jin Hee , Roh Si Young , Kim Jin Soo , Lee Dong Chul , Ki Sae Hwi , Yang Jae Won , Jeon Man Kyung , Lee Sang Myung
Published: January 2013

Background Measuring grip and pinch strength is an important part of hand injury evaluation. Currently, there are no standardized values of normal grip and pinch strength among the Korean population, and lack of such data prevents objective evaluation of post-surgical recovery in strength. This study was designed to establish the normal values of grip and pinch strength among the healthy Korean population and to identify any dependent variables affecting grip and pinch strength.

Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out. The inclusion criterion was being a healthy Korean person without a previous history of hand trauma. The grip strength was measured using a Jamar dynamometer. Pulp and key pinch strength were measured with a hydraulic pinch gauge. Intra-individual and inter-individual variations in these variables were analyzed in a standardized statistical manner.

Results There were a total of 336 healthy participants between 13 and 77 years of age. As would be expected in any given population, the mean grip and pinch strength was greater in the right hand than the left. Male participants (137) showed mean strengths greater than female participants (199) when adjusted for age. Among the male participants, anthropometric variables correlated positively with grip strength, but no such correlations were identifiable in female participants in a statistically significant way.

Conclusions Objective measurements of hand strength are an important component of hand injury evaluation, and population-specific normative data are essential for clinical and research purposes. This study reports updated normative hand strengths of the South Korean population in the 21st century.
Changing the responses of cortical neurons from sub- to suprathreshold using single spikes in vivo
Authors: Pawlak Verena , Greenberg David S , Sprekeler Henning , Gerstner Wulfram , Kerr Jason ND
Published: January 2013

Action Potential (APs) patterns of sensory cortex neurons encode a variety of stimulus features, but how can a neuron change the feature to which it responds? Here, we show that in vivo a spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP) protocol—consisting of pairing a postsynaptic AP with visually driven presynaptic inputs—modifies a neurons' AP-response in a bidirectional way that depends on the relative AP-timing during pairing. Whereas postsynaptic APs repeatedly following presynaptic activation can convert subthreshold into suprathreshold responses, APs repeatedly preceding presynaptic activation reduce AP responses to visual stimulation. These changes were paralleled by restructuring of the neurons response to surround stimulus locations and membrane-potential time-course. Computational simulations could reproduce the observed subthreshold voltage changes only when presynaptic temporal jitter was included. Together this shows that STDP rules can modify output patterns of sensory neurons and the timing of single-APs plays a crucial role in sensory coding and plasticity.
A virus responds instantly to the presence of the vector on the host and forms transmission morphs
Authors: Martinière Alexandre , Bak Aurélie , Macia Jean-Luc , Lautredou Nicole , Gargani Daniel , Doumayrou Juliette , Garzo Elisa , Moreno Aranzazu , Fereres Alberto , Blanc Stéphane , Drucker Martin
Published: January 2013

Many plant and animal viruses are spread by insect vectors. Cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) is aphid-transmitted, with the virus being taken up from specialized transmission bodies (TB) formed within infected plant cells. However, the precise events during TB-mediated virus acquisition by aphids are unknown. Here, we show that TBs react instantly to the presence of the vector by ultra-rapid and reversible redistribution of their key components onto microtubules throughout the cell. Enhancing or inhibiting this TB reaction pharmacologically or by using a mutant virus enhanced or inhibited transmission, respectively, confirming its requirement for efficient virus-acquisition. Our results suggest that CaMV can perceive aphid vectors, either directly or indirectly by sharing the host perception. This novel concept in virology, where viruses respond directly or via the host to the outside world, opens new research horizons, that is, investigating the impact of ‘perceptive behaviors’ on other steps of the infection cycle.
Strong inter-population cooperation leads to partner intermixing in microbial communities
Authors: Momeni Babak , Brileya Kristen A , Fields Matthew W , Shou Wenying
Published: January 2013

Patterns of spatial positioning of individuals within microbial communities are often critical to community function. However, understanding patterning in natural communities is hampered by the multitude of cell–cell and cell–environment interactions as well as environmental variability. Here, through simulations and experiments on communities in defined environments, we examined how ecological interactions between two distinct partners impacted community patterning. We found that in strong cooperation with spatially localized large fitness benefits to both partners, a unique pattern is generated: partners spatially intermixed by appearing successively on top of each other, insensitive to initial conditions and interaction dynamics. Intermixing was experimentally observed in two obligatory cooperative systems: an engineered yeast community cooperating through metabolite-exchanges and a methane-producing community cooperating through redox-coupling. Even in simulated communities consisting of several species, most of the strongly-cooperating pairs appeared intermixed. Thus, when ecological interactions are the major patterning force, strong cooperation leads to partner intermixing.
Cdc48/p97 promotes degradation of aberrant nascent polypeptides bound to the ribosome
Authors: Verma Rati , Oania Robert S , Kolawa Natalie J , Deshaies Raymond J
Published: January 2013

Ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis can initiate at ribosomes for myriad reasons including misfolding of a nascent chain or stalling of the ribosome during translation of mRNA. Clearance of a stalled complex is required to recycle the ribosome for future use. Here we show that the ubiquitin (Ub) pathway segregase Cdc48/p97 and its adaptors Ufd1-Npl4 participate in ribosome-associated degradation (RAD) by mediating the clearance of ubiquitinated, tRNA-linked nascent peptides from ribosomes. Through characterization of both endogenously-generated and heterologous model substrates for the RAD pathway, we conclude that budding yeast Cdc48 functions downstream of the Ub ligases Ltn1 and Ubr1 to release nascent proteins from the ribosome so that they can be degraded by the proteasome. Defective RAD could contribute to the pathophysiology of human diseases caused by mutations in p97.
Crossing oceans
Authors: Marder Eve
Published: January 2013

Eve Marder explains why all scientists should spend time living and working in a foreign country.
How to train a neuron
Authors: Costa Rui P , Watt Alanna J , Sjöström P Jesper
Published: January 2013

A cellular learning rule known as spike-timing-dependent plasticity can form, reshape and erase the response preferences of visual cortex neurons.
Maria Lactans and the Three Good Brothers
Authors: Cianci Eleonora
Published: January 2013

This paper investigates a single motif embedded in the German version of the Three Good Brothers Charm: the oath on Mary’s milk. The charm for wounds has a very rich manuscript tradition and an incredible number of different versions in several languages due to a (plausible) parallel oral tradition; however, although each manuscript seems to arrange the motif pattern in a different way, it is possible to trace a kind of recurring layout. The reiteration of Mary’s milk in the different versions reveals a very old cultural tradition and a developing symbolic meaning of the Virgin in the Middle Ages.
Oral charms in structural and comparative light
Authors: Kuznetsova Ekaterina
Published: January 2013

Oral Charms in Structural and Comparative Light. International Conference at the Russian State University for the Humanities and at the Russian Academy of Sciences (Moscow, 27-29 October 2011) (E. Kuznetsova, A. Toporkov), pp. 118-128
Termes albanais pour "Incantation"
Authors: Vătăşescu Cătălina
Published: January 2013

L’auteur propose une liste des termes albanais faisant partie du champ sémantique du « charme » et de celui de l’« écartement des conséquences défavorables des charmes ». Les mots concernent les formules incantatrices, les actions (tant nuisibles que bienfaisantes) et les gestes qui les accompagnent, ainsi que les désignations des personnes qui prononcent les incantations et qui accomplissent les actions magiques. Le lexique du domaine des charmes en albanais s’avère ancien et riche. Il comprend des termes autochtones, des emprunts anciens faits au grec et au latin. Les mots en question sont la base de nombreux dérivés. L’analyse met en évidence une série de similitudes entre l’albanais et le roumain.
Origins of Low Quantum Efficiencies in Quantum Dot LEDs
Authors: Bozyigit Deniz , Yarema Olesya , Wood Vanessa
Published: January 2013

The promise for next generation light‐emitting device (LED) technologies is a major driver for research on nanocrystal quantum dots (QDs). The low efficiencies of current QD‐LEDs are often attributed to luminescence quenching of charged QDs through Auger‐processes. Although new QD chemistries successfully suppress Auger recombination, high performance QD‐LEDs with these materials have yet to be demonstrated. Here, QD‐LED performance is shown to be significantly limited by the electric field. Experimental field‐dependent photoluminescence decay studies and tight‐binding simulations are used to show that independent of charging, the electric field can strongly quench the luminescence of QD solids by reducing the electron and hole wavefunction overlap, thereby lowering the radiative recombination rate. Quantifying this effect for a series of CdSe/CdS QD solids reveals a strong dependence on the QD band structure, which enables the outline of clear design strategies for QD materials and device architectures to improve QD‐LED performance.
Morphology and Efficiency: The Case of Polymer/ZnO Solar Cells
Authors: Koster L. J. A. , Stenzel Ole , Oosterhout Stefan D. , Wienk Martijn M. , Schmidt Volker , Janssen René A. J.
Published: January 2013

The performance of polymer solar cells critically depends on the morphology of the interface between the donor‐ and acceptor materials that are used to create and transport charge carriers. Solar cells based on poly(3‐hexylthiophene) and ZnO were fully characterized in terms of their efficiency and three‐dimensional (3D) morphology on the nanoscale. Here, we establish a quantitative link between efficiency and morphology by using the experimental 3D morphology as direct input for a 3D optoelectronic device model. This model includes the effects of exciton diffusion and quenching; space‐charge; recombination, generation, drift and diffusion of charge carriers; and the injection/extraction of carriers at the contacts. The observed trend in internal quantum efficiency as a function of layer thickness is reproduced with a single set of parameters. Several morphological aspects that determine the internal quantum efficiency are discussed and compared to other organic solar cells. This first direct use of morphological data in an optoelectronic device model highlights the importance of morphology in solar cells.
Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor Val66Met polymorphism and early life adversity affect hippocampal volume
Authors: Carballedo Angela , Morris Derek , Zill Peter , Fahey Ciara , Reinhold Elena , Meisenzahl Eva , Bondy Brigitta , Gill Michael , Möller Hans‐Jürgen , Frodl Thomas
Published: January 2013

The interaction between adverse life events during childhood and genetic factors is associated with a higher risk to develop major depressive disorder (MDD). One of the polymorphisms found to be associated with MDD is the Val66MET polymorphism of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). The aim of our two‐center study was to determine how the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism and childhood adversity affect the volumetric measures of the hippocampus in healthy individuals and people with MDD. In this two‐center study, 62 adult patients with MDD and 71 healthy matched controls underwent high‐resolution magnetic resonance imaging. We used manual tracing of the bilateral hippocampal structure with help of the software BRAINS2, assessed childhood adversity using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire and genotyped Val66Met BDNF SNP (rs6265). MDD patients had smaller hippocampal volumes, both in the left and right hemispheres (F = 5.4, P = 0.022). We also found a significant interaction between BDNF allele and history of childhood adversity (F = 6.1, P = 0.015): Met allele carriers in our samples showed significantly smaller hippocampal volumes when they did have a history of childhood adversity, both in patients and controls. Our results highlight how relevant stress–gene interactions are for hippocampal volume reductions. Subjects exposed to early life adversity developed smaller hippocampal volumes when they carry the Met‐allele of the BDNF polymorphism. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Femoral neck structure and function in early hominins
Authors: Ruff Christopher B. , Higgins Ryan
Published: January 2013

All early (Pliocene–Early Pleistocene) hominins exhibit some differences in proximal femoral morphology from modern humans, including a long femoral neck and a low neck‐shaft angle. In addition, australopiths (Au. afarensis, Au. africanus, Au. boisei, Paranthropus boisei), but not early Homo, have an “anteroposteriorly compressed” femoral neck and a small femoral head relative to femoral shaft breadth. Superoinferior asymmetry of cortical bone in the femoral neck has been claimed to be human‐like in australopiths. In this study, we measured superior and inferior cortical thicknesses at the middle and base of the femoral neck using computed tomography in six Au. africanus and two P. robustus specimens. Cortical asymmetry in the fossils is closer overall to that of modern humans than to apes, although many values are intermediate between humans and apes, or even more ape‐like in the midneck. Comparisons of external femoral neck and head dimensions were carried out for a more comprehensive sample of South and East African australopiths (n = 17) and two early Homo specimens. These show that compared with modern humans, femoral neck superoinferior, but not anteroposterior breadth, is larger relative to femoral head breadth in australopiths, but not in early Homo. Both internal and external characteristics of the australopith femoral neck indicate adaptation to relatively increased superoinferior bending loads, compared with both modern humans and early Homo. These observations, and a relatively small femoral head, are consistent with a slightly altered gait pattern in australopiths, involving more lateral deviation of the body center of mass over the stance limb. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Demographic expansions in South America: Enlightening a complex scenario with genetic and linguistic data
Authors: Ramallo Virginia , Bisso‐Machado Rafael , Bravi Claudio , Coble Michael D. , Salzano Francisco M. , Hünemeier Tábita , Bortolini Maria Cátira
Published: January 2013

Native Americans are characterized by specific and unique patterns of genetic and cultural/linguistic diversities, and this information has been used to understand patterns of geographic dispersion, and the relationship between these peoples. Particularly interesting are the Tupi and Je speaker dispersions. At present, a large number of individuals speak languages of these two stocks; for instance, Tupi‐Guarani is one of the official languages in Paraguay, Bolivia, and the Mercosul economic block. Although the Tupi expansion can be compared in importance to the Bantu migration in Africa, little is known about this event relative to others. Equal and even deeper gaps exist concerning the Je‐speakers' expansion. This study aims to elucidate some aspects of these successful expansions. To meet this purpose, we analyzed Native American mtDNA complete control region from nine different populations and included HVS‐I sequences available in the literature, resulting in a total of 1,176 samples investigated. Evolutionary relationships were explored through median‐joining networks and genetic/geographic/linguistic correlations with Mantel tests and spatial autocorrelation analyses. Both Tupi and Je showed general traces of ancient or more recent fission–fusion processes, but a very different pattern of demographic expansion. Tupi populations displayed a classical isolation‐by‐distance pattern, while Je groups presented an intricate and nonlinear mode of dispersion. We suggest that the collective memory and other cultural processes could be important factors influencing the fission–fusion events, which likely contributed to the genetic structure, evolution, and dispersion of Native American populations. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Application of ferrocenylimidazolium salts as catalysts for the transfer hydrogenation of ketones
Authors: Ikhile Monisola I. , Bala Muhammad D. , Nyamori Vincent O. , Ngila J. Catherine
Published: January 2013

Ferrocenylimidazolium salts with methylene and phenyl groups bridging the ferrocenyl and alkylimidazolium moieties were synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic and analytical methods. Crystal structures of two new compounds are also reported. Cyclic voltammetry was used to analyze the influence of the two bridging groups or spacers on electrochemical properties of the salts relative to the shifts in the formal electrode or peak potentials (E0 or E1/2) of the ferrocene/ferrocenium redox couple. Results from this study showed that all the salts exhibited higher electrode potentials relative to ferrocene, which is due to the electron‐withdrawing effect of the imidazolium ion on the ferrocenyl moiety. Application of the salts as catalysts in transfer hydrogenation of ketones resulted in high conversion of saturated ketones to corresponding alcohols and turnover numbers as high as 1880. The catalysts were chemoselective towards reduction of the C═C bonds of conjugated 3‐penten‐2‐one and 4‐hexen‐3‐one to yield saturated ketones, while unconjugated 5‐hexen‐2‐one was hydrogenated to an unsaturated alcohol. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and characterization of coaxial silver/silica/polypyrrole nanocables
Authors: Wang Wenqin , Lu Linchao , Cai Wujin , Chen Zhong‐Ren
Published: January 2013

Double‐shelled coaxial nanocables of silver nanocables with SiO2 and polypyrrole (PPy; Ag/SiO2/PPy) were synthesized by a simple method. The thickness of the outer PPy shell could be controlled by the amount of pyrrole monomer. The silver nanocables encapsulated in the interior of the hollow PPy nanotubes were obtained by the removal of the midlayer SiO2. By the silver‐mirror reaction, flowerlike Ag nanostructures could be formed on the surface of the Ag/SiO2/PPy multilayer nanocable. The application of the as‐prepared Ag/SiO2/PPy–Ag composites in surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) was studied with Rhodamine B (Rh B) as a probe molecule. We found that the composites could be used as SERS substrates and that they exhibited excellent enhancement ability. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Investigation on 1O2 generation ability of di‐sulfonic phthalocyanine zinc isomers using an HPLC–CL system
Authors: Jiang Zhou , Chen Meili , Hu Yanli , Wang Jian , Chen Guonan
Published: January 2013

An HPLC system combining a chemiluminescence detector was applied to estimate the singlet oxygen (1O2) generation ability of di‐sulfonic phthalocyanine zinc (ZnPcS2) isomers. As photosensitizers, ZnPcS2 produces 1O2 in air‐saturated solutions under photoirradiation. The latter reacts with methyl Cypridina luciferin analogue (MCLA) to initiate chemiluminescence. This photoinduced chemiluminescence (PCL) of MCLA provides an easy method for evaluating the isomers' 1O2 generation ability during a simultaneous HPLC separation procedure. The cis‐isomers and trans‐isomers of ZnPcS2 show different 1O2 generation abilities, which are in accordance with differences in their absorption spectra. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A rapid and sensitive LC‐MS/MS method for the determination of osthole in rat plasma: application to pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Yun Fei , Kang An , Shan Jinjun , Zhao Xiaoli , Bi Xiaolin , Di Liuqing
Published: January 2013

Osthole, a major component isolated from the fruit of Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cusson, has been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. We developed and validated a rapid and sensitive LC‐MS/MS method for the quantification of osthole in rat plasma. Sample preparation involved simple liquid–liquid extraction by ethyl acetate after addition of imperatorin as internal standard (IS). The analyte was separated using a C18 column with the mobile phase of methanol–0.1% formic acid (80:20, v/v) at a flow rate of 0.4 mL/min. The elutes were detected under positive electrospray ionization in multiple reaction monitoring mode. The method was sensitive with 0.5 ng/mL as the lower limit of detection. Good linearity was obtained over the range of 1.0–500.0 ng/mL. The intra and inter‐batch accuracy for osthole in rat plasma samples ranged from 99.5 to 108.1% and the variation was <8.9%. The stability, extraction efficiency and matrix effect were also acceptable. This method was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic study of osthole in rat after intravenous and oral administration. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new approach for pharmacokinetic studies of natural products: measurement of isoliquiritigenin levels in mice plasma, urine and feces using modified automated dosing/blood sampling system
Authors: Han Seung Yon , Chin Young‐Won , Choi Young Hee
Published: January 2013

The present study was undertaken to investigate the pharmacokinetics of isoliquiritigenin (isoLQ) as determined by the automated dosing/blood sampling (ABS) and traditional manual blood sampling techniques in awake and freely moving mice using combined liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Pharmacokinetic comparison was conducted by allocating mice into two groups; an ABS group (intravenous study and oral studies, n = 5 each) and a manual group (intravenous and oral studies; n = 5 each). Significant differences in pharmacokinetic parameters (area under the curve and clearances) were observed between ABS and manual groups. This could be mainly due to the blood sampling site difference (via heart puncture in traditional manual group and via carotid artery in ABS groups). The low F of isoLQ could be mainly due to a considerable gastrointestinal and/or hepatic first‐pass effect and not to incomplete absorption. The driving force for distribution and elimination of drugs is its concentration in the arterial blood. Therefore, the ABS method was found to be a useful drug development tool for accelerating the process of preclinical in vivo studies and for obtaining reliable and accurate pharmacokinetic parameters in mice. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biotransformation and improved enzymatic extraction of chlorogenic acid from coffee pulp by filamentous fungi
Authors: Torres‐Mancera María Teresa , Baqueiro‐Peña Itzamná , Figueroa‐Montero Arturo , Rodríguez‐Serrano Gabriela , González‐Zamora Eduardo , Favela‐Torres Ernesto , Saucedo‐Castañeda Gerardo
Published: January 2013

The highest enzymatic extraction of covalent linked chlorogenic (36.1%) and caffeic (CA) (33%) acids from coffee pulp (CP) was achieved by solid‐state fermentation with a mixture of three enzymatic extracts produced by Aspergillus tamarii, Rhizomucor pusillus, and Trametes sp. Enzyme extracts were produced in a practical inexpensive way. Synergistic effects on the extraction yield were observed when more than one enzyme extract was used. In addition, biotransformation of chlorogenic acid (ChA) by Aspergillus niger C23308 was studied. Equimolar transformation of ChA into CA and quinic acids (QA) was observed during the first 36 h in submerged culture. Subsequently, after 36 h, equimolar transformation of CA into protocatechuic acid was observed; this pathway is being reported for the first time for A. niger. QA was used as a carbon source by A. niger C23308. This study presents the potential of using CP to produce enzymes and compounds such as ChA with biological activities. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 29: 337–345, 2013
Three‐dimensional demonstration of the lymphatic system in the lower extremities with multi‐detector‐row computed tomography: A study in a cadaver model
Authors: Yamazaki Shun , Suami Hiroo , Imanishi Nobuaki , Aiso Sadakazu , Yamada Minoru , Jinzaki Masahiro , Kuribayashi Sachio , Chang David W. , Kishi Kazuo
Published: January 2013

Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) has had a great impact on the staging and treatment of cancer. The purpose of this study was to study the lymphatic anatomy of the lower extremities by constructing three‐dimensional images using multi‐detector‐row computed tomography (MDCT). To select appropriate contrast media for MDCT lymphatic imaging in a cadaver, we tested four kinds of contrast media by injecting them into fresh swine kidneys. After the suitable contrast medium was selected, 10 lower extremities from 5 fresh cadavers were studied. After injection of the contrast medium, each lower extremity was scanned with high‐spatial‐resolution MDCT. The zinc oxide mixture was found to be the most appropriate contrast formula for MDCT imaging of cadaver lymphatics in terms of CT value and no extravasation. The high‐resolution MDCT imaging revealed two different superficial lymphatic pathways in the legs. One lymphatic pathway accompanying the great saphenous vein had a constant course and was connected to the superficial inguinal lymph nodes. However, another pathway, along the small saphenous vein, was variable. Some of the deep lymphatic vessels bypassed the inguinal lymph nodes. Using a new protocol, we were able to construct three‐dimensional images of the lower extremity lymphatics in a cadaver model. MDCT imaging provided novel information about two different superficial lymphatic pathways in the lower extremities. Clin. Anat., 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Anatomical basis of laparoscopic medial‐to‐lateral mobilization of the descending colon
Authors: Bonnet S. , Abid B. , Wind P. , Delmas V. , Douard R.
Published: January 2013

In laparoscopic colorectal resection, the medial‐to‐lateral approach has been largely adopted. This approach can be initiated by the division of either the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) or the inferior mesenteric vein (IMV). This cadaveric study aimed to establish the feasibility of IMV dissection as the initial landmark of medial‐to‐lateral left colonic mobilization for evaluating the size of the peritoneal window between the IMV at the lower part of the pancreas and the origin of the IMA (IMA‐IMV distance) and the point of origin of the IMA compared to the lower edge of the third part of the duodenum (IMA‐D3 distance). These distances were recorded on 30 fresh cadavers. The IMA‐D3 distance was 0.4 ± 2.2 cm (mean ± SD). The IMA originated from the aorta at the level of or below the D3 in 21 cases (70%). The IMA‐IMV distance was 5.5 ± 1.8 cm and was greater or equal to 5 cm (large window) in 21 cases (70%). IMA‐IMV distance was correlated with IMA‐D3 showing that a large window was inversely correlated with a low IMA origin (P < 0.001). IMA‐D3 distance was not correlated with weight, height and sex. IMA‐IMV distance was largerin male (6.7 ± 0.9 vs. 4.9 ± 1.8, P = 0.001) and correlated with weight, (r = 0.60, 95%CI = 0.03–0.10, P < 0.001) and height (r = 0.54, 95%CI = 0.05–0.21, P = 0.002). IMV can be used as the initial landmark for laparoscopic medial‐to‐lateral dissection in two‐thirds of cases. A too‐small window can require first IMA division. The choice between the two different medial‐to‐lateral approaches could be made by evaluating the anatomical relationship between IMA, IMV, and D3. Clin. Anat., 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hypoplastic occipital condyle and third occipital condyle: Review of their dysembryology
Authors: Tubbs R. Shane , Lingo Patrick Ryan , Mortazavi Martin M. , Cohen‐gadol Aaron A.
Published: January 2013

Disruption or embryologic derailment of the normal bony architecture of the craniovertebral junction (CVJ) may result in symptoms. As studies of the embryology and pathology of hypoplasia of the occipital condyles and third occipital condyles are lacking in the literature, the present review was performed. Standard search engines were accessed and queried for publications regarding hypoplastic occipital condyles and third occipital condyles. The literature supports the notion that occipital condyle hypoplasia and a third occipital condyle are due to malformation or persistence of the proatlas, respectively. The Pax‐1 gene is most likely involved in this process. Clinically, condylar hypoplasia may narrow the foramen magnum and lead to lateral medullary compression. Additionally, this maldevelopment can result in transient vertebral artery compression secondary to posterior subluxation of the occiput. Third occipital condyles have been associated with cervical canal stenosis, hypoplasia of the dens, transverse ligament laxity, and atlanto‐axial instability causing acute and chronic spinal cord compression. Treatment goals are focused on craniovertebral stability. A better understanding of the embryology and pathology related to CVJ anomalies is useful to the clinician treating patients presenting with these entities. Clin. Anat. 26:928–932, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nucleoterpenes of Thymidine and 2′‐Deoxyinosine: Synthons for a Biomimetic Lipophilization of Oligonucleotides
Authors: Köstler Karl , Werz Emma , Malecki Edith , Montilla‐Martinez Malayko , Rosemeyer Helmut
Published: January 2013

2′‐Deoxyinosine (1) and thymidine (7) were N‐alkylated with geranyl and farnesyl moieties. These hydrophobic derivatives, 3a and 3b, and 9a and 9b, respectively, represent the first synthetic biomimetic nucleoterpenes and were subsequently 5′‐protected and converted into the corresponding 3′‐O‐phosphoramidites, 5a and 5b and 11a and 11b, respectively. The latter were used to prepare a series of lipophilized oligonucleotide dodecamers, a part of which were additionally labelled with indocarbocyanine fluorescent dyes (Cy3 or Cy5), 18–23. The insertion of the lipooligonucleotides into, as well as duplex formation at artificial lipid bilayers was studied by single‐molecule fluorescence spectroscopy and fluorescence microscopy.
Synthesis and Evaluation of Gambogic Acid Derivatives as Antitumor Agents. Part III
Authors: Guo Xiao‐Ke , Sun Hao‐Peng , Shen Shen , Sun Yuan , Xie Fan‐Lei , Tao Lei , Guo Qing‐Long , Jiang Cheng , You Qi‐Dong
Published: January 2013

Gambogic acid (GA) has been reported as a potent apoptosis inducer. Previously, we have reported chemical modification at C(34) and C(39) of GA, leading to some agents with improved activity. To investigate the further structureactivity relationship (SAR) and preliminary mechanism of GA activity, a series of derivatives with modified prenyl side chains of GA were synthesized and evaluated. Most of the derivatives showed potent inhibitory activities against the proliferation of HepG2 and A549 cell lines. Compound 4 was selected for further mechanistic studies due to its outstanding activity. It was established that 4 induces the apoptosis of HepG2 cells by using Annexin‐V/PI double staining and Western blot assay, thus, compound 4 can serve as a promising lead compound for the development of novel apoptosis in anticancer treatment.
Variation in the Fatty‐Acid Content in Seeds of Various Black, Red, and White Currant Varieties
Authors: Šavikin Katarina P. , Ðorđević Boban S. , Ristić Mihailo S. , Krivokuća‐Ðokić Dragana , Pljevljakušić Dejan S. , Vulić Todor
Published: January 2013

Currant seeds, a by‐product of juice production, are recognized as a valuable source of oil rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids. We have evaluated 28 currant varieties for their oil content and fatty‐acid composition. The oil content in the seeds ranged from 18.2–27.7%, and no statistical difference between varieties of different fruit color were recorded. Furthermore, the estimated oil yields in the field production ranged from 26.4–212.4 kg/ha. The GC and GC/MS chemical profiles of the seed oils extracted from all examined varieties were common for currants. Linoleic acid (LA) was the major component, with contents ranging from 32.7–46.9% of total fatty acids, followed by α‐linolenic acid (ALA; 2.9–32.0 %), oleic acid (OA; 9.8–19.9%), γ‐linolenic acid (GLA; 3.3–18.5%), palmitic acid (PA; 4.4–8.1%), stearidonic acid (SDA; 2.2–4.7%), and stearic acid (SA; 1.2–2.4%). Quantitative differences in the fatty‐acid profiles between varieties of different fruit color were observed. Blackcurrant varieties showed significantly higher contents of LA, GLA, and PA than red and white currant varieties, whereas significantly higher amounts of ALA and OL were detected in the red and white varieties. Cluster analysis based on the chemical oil profiles joined the blackcurrants in one group, while most of the red and white cultivars joined in a second group at the same linkage distance.
On the Pathways for CO Egress from Carboxy Human Cytoglobin. A Molecular‐Dynamics Investigation
Authors: Pietra Francesco
Published: January 2013

This work discloses two bona fide gates through which the CO ligand can leave the distal cavity of carboxy human cytoglobin, reaching the solvent. The investigation was based on molecular dynamics, aided by a minimal randomly‐oriented force applied to the ligand. The shortest pathway progresses toward the main gate, H81‐R84, in the open state, with the H81 imidazole moiety turned toward the solvent. A longer pathway develops toward the diametrically opposed W31‐W151 gate. In between, CO may be entrapped into binding cavities, either along the path toward the gates, or in a cul‐de‐sac, from which CO may even be incapable to escape. This behavior contrasts with carboxy myoglobin, where the corresponding H64 gate, when opened, is the sole used by CO to get to the solvent. These observations, which could hold also for other small ligands of biological interest, such as O2, NO, and NO$\rm{{_{3}^{-}}}$, provide an answer to a neglected aspect of the mysterious six‐coordinated globins.