bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Transgenic Model of Central Nervous System Autoimmunity Mediated by CD4+ and CD8+ T and B Cells
Authors: Anderson Ana C. , Chandwaskar Rucha , Lee David H. , Sullivan Jenna M. , Solomon Adam , Rodriguez-Manzanet Roselynn , Greve Bernhard , Sobel Raymond A. , Kuchroo Vijay K.
Published: January 2012

Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is a widely used model of multiple sclerosis. In NOD mice, EAE develops as a relapsing–remitting disease that transitions to a chronic progressive disease, making the NOD model the only mouse model that recapitulates the full clinical disease course observed in most multiple sclerosis patients. We have generated a TCR transgenic mouse that expresses the α- and β-chains of a myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) 35–55–reactive TCR (1C6) on the NOD background. 1C6 TCR transgenic mice spontaneously generate both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells that recognize MOG and produce proinflammatory cytokines, allowing for the first time to our knowledge the simultaneous examination of myelin-reactive CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in the same host. 1C6 CD8+ T cells alone can induce optic neuritis and mild EAE with delayed onset; however, 1C6 CD4+ T cells alone induce severe EAE and predominate in driving disease when both cell types are present. When 1C6 mice are crossed with mice bearing an IgH specific for MOG, the mice develop spontaneous EAE with high incidence, but surprisingly the disease pattern does not resemble the neuromyelitis optica-like disease observed in mice bearing CD4+ T cells and B cells reactive to MOG on the C57BL/6 background. Collectively, our data show that although myelin-reactive CD8+ T cells contribute to disease, disease is primarily driven by myelin-reactive CD4+ T cells and that the coexistence of myelin-reactive T and B cells does not necessarily result in a distinct pathological phenotype.
The Clinical Response of West Nile Virus Neuroinvasive Disease to Intravenous Immunoglobulin Therapy
Authors: Shimoni Zvi , Bin Hanna , Bulvik Shlomo , Niven Mark , Hazzan Rawi , Mendelson Ella , Froom Paul
Published: January 2012

The aim of the study was to determine whether intravenous gamma globulin (IVIG) treatment is effective in patients with West Nile Virus (WNV) neuroinvasive disease. We contacted hospital based infectious disease experts in Israeli hospitals to identify patients with WNV neuroinvasive disease who were treated with IVIG. The main outcome measure was neurological response after treatment. There were 12 patients who received IVIG and four improved within 48 h. Three patients died, 6 had partial recovery, and 3 recovered completely. Eleven of the 12 patients were infected with Israeli genotypes that are highly homologous to Europe/Africa viruses. The rapid response in some patients suggests that IVIG is effective, and might be used to treat patients with WNV neuroinvasive disease with IVIG.
Die vertaling van ἐξουσία [eksousia] in Johannes 1:12
Authors: Tolmie D. Francois
Published: January 2012

The translation of ἐξουσία [eksousia] in John 1:12. A survey of Bible translations in Afrikaans, Dutch, English, German and French indicates that the term ἐξουσία [eksousia] in John 1:12 is translated in different ways by translators. In Afrikaans the options available to translators are ‘gesag’ (‘authority’), ‘mag’ (‘might’), ‘krag’ (‘power’), ‘reg’ (‘right’) and ‘voorreg’ (‘privilege’). In this article, the translation into Afrikaans of the term in John 1:12 is considered. The article begins with an overview of choices made by previous translators in this regard, as well as an overview of how the term is interpreted in dictionaries and by commentators. This is followed by an investigation of the other occurrences of the term in the Fourth Gospel, and suggestions as to the way it should be interpreted in each case. The use of the term in John 1:12 is then considered. It is proposed that the best translation of the term in Afrikaans is ‘mag’ (‘might’).
Radiological Imaging Features of Fasciola hepatica Infection – A Pictorial Review
Authors: Dusak Abdurrahim , Onur Mehmet R. , Cicek Mutalip , Firat Ugur , Ren Tianbo , Dogra Vikram S.
Published: January 2012

Fascioliasis refers to a zoonosis caused by Fasciola hepatica, a trematode infecting herbivores, but also occurs in humans who ingest the metacercaria found in fresh water plants. Infection in humans is common in developing countries and is also not uncommon in Europe. Diagnosis of this infection is difficult, as the history and symptoms are nonspecific and stool analysis for eggs is negative until the disease is in an advanced state by when the parasite has reached the biliary system. The clinical course consists of two phases; first a hepatic parenchymal phase in which immature larvae invade the liver parenchyma, followed by a ductal phase characterized by the excretion of larvae into the bile ducts. Parenchymal Phase: Ultrasonography (US) findings are nonspecific in this early phase. Computerized tomography (CT) may demonstrate subcapsular low attenuation regions in the liver. Magnetic Resonance imaging (MRI) can also be utilized to establish liver parenchymal involvement, and is better than CT in characterizing hemorrhagic lesions, as well as identifying more lesions relative to CT. Ductal Phase: US examination is most useful at this stage, with its ability to demonstrate the live movement of the worms within the dilated ducts. A CT demonstrates dilated central biliary ducts with periportal tracking, whereas, mild ductal dilatation is poorly appreciated under MRI. Therefore, familiarity with the multimodality imaging features of fascioliasis, in combination with an available confirmatory enzyme-linked immunoassay, would be most helpful for early diagnosis.
Depositional ice nucleation onto crystalline hydrated NaCl particles: a new mechanism for ice formation in the troposphere
Authors: Wise M. E. , Baustian K. J. , Koop T. , Freedman M. A. , Jensen E. J. , Tolbert M. A.
Published: January 2012

Abstract. Sea-salt aerosol (SSA) particles are ubiquitous in the marine boundary layer and over coastal areas. Therefore SSA have ability to directly and indirectly affect the Earth's radiation balance. The influence SSA have on climate is related to their water uptake and ice nucleation characteristics. In this study, optical microscopy coupled with Raman spectroscopy was used to detect the formation of a crystalline NaCl hydrate that could form under atmospheric conditions. NaCl(s) particles (~1 to 10 μm in diameter) deliquesced at 75.7 ± 2.5% RH which agrees well with values previously established in the literature. NaCl(aq) particles effloresced to a mixture of hydrated and non-hydrated particles at temperatures between 236 and 252 K. The aqueous particles effloresced into the non-hydrated form at temperatures warmer than 252 K. At temperatures colder than 236 K all particles effloresced into the hydrated form. The deliquescence relative humidities (DRH) of hydrated NaCl(s) particles ranged from 76.6 to 93.2% RH. Based on the measured DRH and efflorescence relative humidities (ERH), we estimate crystalline NaCl particles could be in the hydrated form 40–80% of the time in the troposphere. Additionally, the ice nucleating abilities of NaCl(s) and hydrated NaCl(s) were determined at temperatures ranging from 221 to 238 K. Here, depositional ice nucleation is defined as the onset of ice nucleation and represents the conditions at which the first particle on the substrate nucleated ice. Thus the values reported here represent the lower limit of depositional ice nucleation. NaCl(s) particles depositionally nucleated ice at an average Sice value of 1.11 ± 0.07. Hydrated NaCl(s) particles depositionally nucleated ice at an average Sice value of 1.02 ± 0.04. When a mixture of hydrated and anhydrous NaCl(s) particles was present in the same sample, ice preferentially nucleated on the hydrated particles 100% of the time. While both types of particles are efficient ice nuclei, hydrated NaCl(s) particles are better ice nuclei than NaCl(s) particles.
Estimation of speciated and total mercury dry deposition at monitoring locations in Eastern and Central North America
Authors: Zhang L. , Blanchard P. , Gay D. A. , Prestbo E. M. , Risch M. R. , Johnson D. , Narayan J. , Zsolway R. , Holsen T. M. , Miller E. K. , Castro M. S. , Graydon J. A. , Louis V. L. St. , Dalziel J.
Published: January 2012

Abstract. Dry deposition of speciated mercury, i.e., gaseous oxidized mercury (GOM), particulate bound mercury (PBM), and gaseous elemental mercury (GEM), was estimated for the year 2008–2009 at 19 monitoring locations in Eastern and Central North America. Dry deposition estimates were obtained by combining monitored 2–4 hourly speciated ambient concentration with modeled hourly dry deposition velocities (Vd) calculated using forecasted meteorology. Annual dry deposition of GOM + PBM was estimated to be in the range of 0.4 to 8.1 μg m−2 at these locations with GOM deposition being mostly 5 to 10 times higher than PBM deposition, due to their different Vd values. Net annual GEM dry deposition was estimated to be in the range of 5 to 26 μg m−2 at 18 sites and 33 μg m−2 at one site. The estimated dry deposition agrees very well with limited surrogate-surface dry deposition measurements of GOM and PBM, and also agrees with litterfall mercury measurements conducted at multiple locations in Eastern and Central North America. This study suggests that GEM contributes much more than GOM + PBM to the total dry deposition at the majority of sites considered here; the only exception is at locations close to significant point sources where GEM and GOM + PBM contribute equally to the total dry deposition. The relative magnitude of the speciated dry deposition and their good comparison with litterfall deposition suggest that mercury in litterfall primarily originates from GEM, consistent with previous limited field studies. The study also supports previous analyses suggesting that total dry deposition of mercury is equally if not more important as wet deposition of mercury on a regional scale in Eastern North America.
High lightning activity in maritime clouds near Mexico
Authors: Kucienska B. , Raga G. B. , Romero-Centeno R.
Published: January 2012

Abstract. Lightning activity detected by the World Wide Lightning Location Network (WWLLN) over oceanic regions adjacent to Mexico is often as high as that observed over the continent. In order to explore the possible cause of the observed high flash density over those regions, the relationships between lightning, rainfall, vertical hydrometeor profiles, latent heating, wind variability and aerosol optical thickness are analyzed. The characteristics of lightning and precipitation over four oceanic zones adjacent to Mexican coastlines are contrasted against those over the continent. In addition, we compare two smaller regions over the Tropical Pacific Ocean: one located within the Inter-Tropical Converge Zone and characterized by high rainfall and weak lightning activity and the other influenced by a continental jet and presenting high rainfall and strong lightning activity over the Gulf of Tehuantepec. Maritime precipitating clouds that develop within the region influenced by offshore winds exhibit similar properties to continental clouds: large content of precipitation ice and an increased height range of coexistence of precipitation ice and cloud water. During the rainy season, monthly distribution of lightning within the region influenced by the continental jet is contrary to that of rainfall. Moreover, the monthly variability of lightning is very similar to the variability of the meridional wind component and it is also related to the variability of aerosol optical depth. The analysis strongly suggests that the high lightning activity observed over the Gulf of Tehuantepec is caused by continental cloud condensation nuclei advected over the ocean.
Quantification of chemical and physical processes influencing ozone during long-range transport using a trajectory ensemble
Authors: Cain M. , Methven J. , Highwood E. J.
Published: January 2012

Abstract. During long-range transport, many distinct processes – including photochemistry, deposition, emissions and mixing – contribute to the transformation of air mass composition. Partitioning the effects of different processes can be useful when considering the sensitivity of chemical transformation to, for example, a changing environment or anthropogenic influence. However, transformation is not observed directly, since mixing ratios are measured, and models must be used to relate changes to processes. Here, four cases from the ITCT-Lagrangian 2004 experiment are studied. In each case, aircraft intercepted an air mass several times during transport over the North Atlantic, providing a unique dataset and quantifying the net changes in composition from all processes acting. A new framework is presented to deconstruct the change in O3 mixing ratio (ΔO3) into its component processes, which were not measured directly, taking into account the uncertainty in measurements, initial air mass variability and its time evolution. The results show that the net chemical processing (ΔO3chem) over the whole simulation is greater than net physical processing (ΔO3phys) in all cases. This is in part explained by cancellation effects associated with mixing. In contrast, each case is in a regime of either photochemical destruction (lower tropospheric transport) or production (an upper tropospheric biomass burning case). However, physical processes influence O3 indirectly through addition or removal of precursor gases, so that changes to physical parameters in a model can have a larger effect on ΔO3chem than ΔO3phys. Despite its smaller magnitude, the physical processing distinguishes the lower tropospheric export cases, since the photochemical O3 change is −5ppbv per day in all three cases. Processing is quantified using a Lagrangian photochemical model with a novel method for simulating mixing through an ensemble of trajectories and a background profile that evolves with them. The model is able to simulate the magnitude and variability of the observations (of O3, CO, NOy and some hydrocarbons) and is consistent with the time-average OH following air-masses inferred from hydrocarbon measurements alone (by Arnold et al., 2007). Therefore, it is a useful new method to simulate air mass evolution and variability, and its sensivity to process parameters.
A gas chromatographic instrument for measurement of hydrogen cyanide in the lower atmosphere
Authors: Ambrose J. L. , Zhou Y. , Haase K. , Mayne H. R. , Talbot R. , Sive B. C.
Published: January 2012

Abstract. A gas-chromatographic (GC) instrument was developed for measuring hydrogen cyanide (HCN) in the lower atmosphere. The main features of the instrument are (1) a cryogen-free cooler for sample dehumidification and enrichment, (2) a porous polymer PLOT column for analyte separation, (3) a flame thermionic detector (FTD) for sensitive and selective detection and (4) a dynamic dilution system for calibration. We deployed the instrument for a ~4 month period from January–June 2010 at the AIRMAP atmospheric monitoring station Thompson Farm 2 (THF2) in rural Durham, NH. A subset of measurements made during 3–31 March is presented here with a detailed description of the instrument features and performance characteristics. The temporal resolution of the measurements was ~20 min, with a 75 s sample capture time. The 1σ measurement precision was <10% and the instrument response linearity was excellent on a calibration scale of 0.10–0.75 ppbv (±5%). The estimated method detection limit (MDL) and accuracy were 0.021 ppbv and 15%, respectively. From 3–31 March 2010, ambient HCN mixing ratios ranged from 0.15–1.0 ppbv (±15%), with a mean value of 0.36 ± 0.16 ppbv (1σ). The approximate mean background HCN mixing ratio of 0.20 ± 0.04 ppbv appeared to agree well with tropospheric column measurements reported previously. The GC-FTD HCN measurements were strongly correlated with acetonitrile (CH3CN) measured concurrently with a proton transfer-reaction mass spectrometer (PTR-MS), as anticipated given our understanding that the nitriles share a common primary biomass burning source to the global atmosphere. The nitriles were overall only weakly correlated with CO, which is reasonable considering the greater diversity of sources for CO. However, strong correlations with CO were observed on several nights under stable atmospheric conditions and suggest regional combustion-based sources for the nitriles. These results demonstrate that the GC-FTD instrument is capable of making long term, in-situ measurements of HCN in the lower atmosphere. To date, similar measurements have not been performed, yet they are critically needed to (1) better evaluate the regional scale distribution of HCN in the atmosphere and (2) discern the influence of biomass burning on surface air composition in remote regions.
Improved retrieval of SO2 from Ozone Monitoring Instrument: residual analysis and data noise correction
Authors: Yan H. , Chen L. , Tao J. , Su L. , Han D.
Published: January 2012

Abstract. In this study, based on Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) observation data and considering the shortage of current Band Residual Difference algorithm (BRD) algorithm in data noise correction since late 2008, we make a detailed analysis of OMI SO2 main noise sources and determine the best residual adjustment area by analyzing the different residual correction effects. After such modification, the OMI SO2 PBL results noise which use BRD retrieval algorithm is largely reduced, the precision of the SO2 results is improved, and the optimization of the BRD algorithm for data noise is realized. We select China as our study area and compare the results between the optimized results and the OMI SO2 PBL products. Results show that they are consistent with each other in January 2008; however, our modified algorithm results have higher precision and more reliable SO2 spatial distribution in January 2009. Finally, other current retrieval error sources are discussed, and further research is needed on these areas.
Diagenetic alterations of amino acids and organic matter in the upper Pearl River Estuary surface sediments
Authors: Zhang J. , Zhang R. , Wu Q. , Xu N.
Published: January 2012

Abstract. The objective of this study was to investigate the diagenetic alteration of sediment organic matter (OM) in the upper Pearl River Estuary. Sediment analyses were conducted for three size fractions of OM, including coarse particulate OM (CPOM), fine particulate OM (FPOM), and ultrafiltered dissolved OM (UDOM). Results showed that the highest and lowest carbon (C): nitrogen (N) ratios were in CPOM and UDOM, respectively, indicating that CPOM was relatively enriched in organic C. The highest average total N content in the FPOM fraction showed that FPOM was enriched in N-containing molecules. Our study showed that the "size-reactivity continuum" model was applicable to sediment particulate and dissolved OM. Distributions of amino acids and their D-isomers among the sediment fractions indicated that the amino acid-based diagenetic index, C:N ratio, and percentage of total N represented by total hydrolysable amino acids could be used as diagenetic indicators. Furthermore, the diagenetic state of sediment OM could also be characterized by C- and N-normalized yields of total D-amino acids, and C- and N-normalized yields of D-alanine, D-glutamic acid, and D-serine.
Effects of cyanobacterial-driven pH increases on sediment nutrient fluxes and coupled nitrification-denitrification in a shallow fresh water estuary
Authors: Gao Y. , Cornwell J. C. , Stoecker D. K. , Owens M. S.
Published: January 2012

Abstract. Summer cyanobacterial blooms caused an elevation in pH (9 to ~10.5) that lasted for weeks in the shallow and tidal-fresh region of the Sassafras River, a tributary of Chesapeake Bay (USA). Elevated pH promoted desorption of sedimentary inorganic phosphorus and facilitated conversion of ammonium (NH4+) to ammonia (NH3). In this study, we investigated pH effects on exchangeable NH4+ desorption, nutrient pore water diffusion and flux rates of NH4+, soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP), nitrate (NO3–), nitrification, denitrification, and oxygen consumption. pH elevation enhanced the desorption of exchangeable NH4+ because of NH3 formation from both pore water and adsorbed NH4+ pools. Progressive penetration of high pH from the overlying water into sediment promoted the release of SRP and total ammonium (NH4+ and NH3) into pore water. At elevated pH, high sediment-water effluxes of SRP and total ammonium were associated with reduction in nitrification, denitrification and oxygen consumption rates. Alkaline pH and the toxicity of NH3 may inhibit nitrification in the thin aerobic zone, simultaneously constraining coupled nitrification-denitrification with limited NO3– supply and high pH penetration into the anaerobic zone. Geochemical feedbacks to pH elevation, such as enhancement of dissolved nutrient effluxes and reduction in N2 loss via denitrification, may be responsible for the persistence of cyanobacterial blooms in shallow water ecosystems.
A simple and self-consistent geostrophic-force-balance model of the thermohaline circulation with boundary mixing
Authors: Callies J. , Marotzke J.
Published: January 2012

Abstract. A simple model of the thermohaline circulation (THC) is formulated, with the objective to represent explicitly the geostrophic force balance of the basinwide THC. The model comprises advective-diffusive density balances in two meridional-vertical planes located at the eastern and the western walls of a hemispheric sector basin. Boundary mixing constrains vertical motion to lateral boundary layers along these walls. Interior, along-boundary, and zonally integrated meridional flows are in thermal-wind balance. Rossby waves and the absence of interior mixing render isopycnals zonally flat except near the western boundary, constraining meridional flow to the western boundary layer. The model is forced by a prescribed meridional surface density profile. This two-plane model reproduces both steady-state density and steady-state THC structures of a primitive-equation model. The solution shows narrow deep sinking at the eastern high latitudes, distributed upwelling at both boundaries, and a western boundary current with poleward surface and equatorward deep flow. The overturning strength has a 2/3-power-law dependence on vertical diffusivity and a 1/3-power-law dependence on the imposed meridional surface density difference. Convective mixing plays an essential role in the two-plane model, ensuring that deep sinking is located at high latitudes. This role of convective mixing is consistent with that in three-dimensional models and marks a sharp contrast with previous two-dimensional models. Overall, the two-plane model reproduces crucial features of the THC as simulated in simple-geometry three-dimensional models. At the same time, the model self-consistently makes quantitative a conceptual picture of the three-dimensional THC that hitherto has been expressed either purely qualitatively or not self-consistently.
Modelling borehole temperatures in Southern Norway – insights into permafrost dynamics during the 20th and 21st century
Authors: Hipp T. , Etzelmüller B. , Farbrot H. , Schuler T. V. , Westermann S.
Published: January 2012

Abstract. A transient heat flow model was used to simulate both past and future ground temperatures of mountain permafrost and associated active layer thickness in Southern Norway. The model was forced by reconstructed air temperature starting from 1860, approximately coinciding with the Little Ice Age in the region. The impact of climate warming on mountain permafrost until 2100 is assessed by using downscaled air temperatures from a multi-model ensemble for the A1B scenario. For 13 borehole locations, records over three consecutive years of ground temperatures, air temperatures and snow cover data are available for model calibration and validation. The boreholes are located at different elevations and in substrates with different thermal properties. With an increase of air temperature of ~+1.5 °C over 1860–2010 and an additional warming of +2.8 °C until 2100, we simulate the evolution of ground temperatures for the borehole locations. According to model results, the active-layer thickness has increased since 1860 by 0.5–5 m and >10 m for the sites Juvvasshøe and Tron, respectively. The simulations also suggest that at an elevation of about 1900 m a.s.l. permafrost will degrade until the end of this century with a probability of 55–75% given the chosen A1B scenario.
Public health impact of risk factors for physical inactivity in adults with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Lee Jungwha , Dunlop Dorothy , Ehrlich‐Jones Linda , Semanik Pamela , Song Jing , Manheim Larry , Chang Rowland W.
Published: January 2012

Objective

To investigate the potential public health impact of modifiable risk factors related to physical inactivity in adults with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

A cross‐sectional study used baseline data from 176 adults with RA enrolled in a randomized controlled trial assessing the effectiveness of an intervention to promote physical activity. Accelerometer data were assessed for inactivity (i.e., no sustained 10‐minute periods of moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity during a week's surveillance). The relationships between modifiable risk factors (motivation for physical activity, beliefs related to physical activity, obesity, pain, and mental health) and inactivity were assessed using odds ratios (ORs) and attributable fractions (AFs), controlling for descriptive factors (age, sex, race, education, disease duration, and comorbidity).

Results

More than 2 in 5 adults (42%) with RA were inactive. Factors most strongly related to inactivity were lack of strong motivation for physical activity (adjusted OR 2.85; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.31, 6.20 and adjusted AF 53.1%; 95% CI 21.7, 74.6) and lack of strong beliefs related to physical activity (OR 2.47; 95% CI 1.10, 5.56 and AF 49.2%; 95% CI 7.0, 76.4). Together, these 2 factors are related to almost 65% excess inactivity in this sample.

Conclusion

These results support the development of interventions that increase motivation for physical activity and that lead to stronger beliefs related to physical activity's benefits, and should be considered in public health initiatives to reduce the prevalence of physical inactivity in adults with RA.
Significant Improvement of Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cell Performance by Small Structural Modification in π‐Conjugated Donor–Acceptor Dyes
Authors: Haid Stefan , Marszalek Magdalena , Mishra Amaresh , Wielopolski Mateusz , Teuscher Joël , Moser Jacques‐E. , Humphry‐Baker Robin , Zakeeruddin Shaik M. , Grätzel Michael , Bäuerle Peter
Published: January 2012

Two donor‐π‐acceptor (D‐π‐A) dyes are synthesized for application in dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSC). These D‐π‐A sensitizers use triphenylamine as donor, oligothiophene as both donor and π‐bridge, and benzothiadiazole (BTDA)/cyanoacrylic acid as acceptor that can be anchored to the TiO2 surface. Tuning of the optical and electrochemical properties is observed by the insertion of a phenyl ring between the BTDA and cyanoacrylic acid acceptor units. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations of these sensitizers provide further insight into the molecular geometry and the impact of the additional phenyl group on the photophysical and photovoltaic performance. These dyes are investigated as sensitizers in liquid‐electrolyte‐based dye‐sensitized solar cells. The insertion of an additional phenyl ring shows significant influence on the solar cells' performance leading to an over 6.5 times higher efficiency (η = 8.21%) in DSSCs compared to the sensitizer without phenyl unit (η = 1.24%). Photophysical investigations reveal that the insertion of the phenyl ring blocks the back electron transfer of the charge separated state, thus slowing down recombination processes by over 5 times, while maintaining efficient electron injection from the excited dye into the TiO2‐photoanode.
Emulsifier‐Free Graphene Dispersions with High Graphene Content for Printed Electronics and Freestanding Graphene Films
Authors: Tölle Folke Johannes , Fabritius Martin , Mülhaupt Rolf
Published: January 2012

A novel and highly versatile synthetic route for the production of functionalized graphene dispersions in water, acetone, and isopropanol (IPA), which exhibit long‐term stability and are easy to scale up, is reported. Both graphene functionalization (wherein the oxygen content can be varied from 4 to 16 wt%) and dispersion are achieved by the thermal reduction of graphite oxide, followed by a high‐pressure homogenization (HPH) process. For the first time, binders, dispersing agents, and reducing agents are not required to produce either dilute or highly concentrated dispersions of single graphene sheets with a graphene content of up to 15 g L−1. High graphene content is essential for the successful printing of graphene dispersions by 3D microextrusion. Free‐standing graphene films and micropatterned graphene materials are successfully prepared using this method. Due to the absence of toxic reducing agents, the graphene exhibits no cytotoxicity and is biocompatible. Furthermore, the electrical conductivity of graphene is significantly improved by the absence of binders. Flexible microarrays can be printed on different substrates, producing microarrays that are mechanically stable and can be bent several times without affecting electrical conductivity.
Scalar–tensor representation of f(R) gravity and Birkhoff's theorem
Authors: Capozziello S. , Sáez‐Gómez D.
Published: January 2012

Birkhoff's theorem is discussed in the frame of f(R) gravity by using its scalar–tensor representation. Modified gravity has become very popular in recent times as it is able to reproduce the unification of inflation and late‐time acceleration with no need of a dark energy component or an inflation field. Here, another aspect of modified f(R) gravity is studied, specifically the range of validity of Birkhoff's theorem, compared with another alternative to general relativity, the well‐known Brans–Dicke theory. As a novelty, here both theories are studied using a conformal transformation and writing the actions in the Einstein frame, where spherically symmetric solutions are studied using perturbation techniques. The differences between both theories are analyzed as well as the validity of the theorem within the Jordan and Einstein frames, where interesting results are obtained.
1,3‐Dichloro‐tetra‐n‐butyl‐distannoxane: a new application for catalyzing the direct substitution of 9H‐xanthen‐9‐ol at room temperature
Authors: Liu Ling‐yan , Zhang Yan , Huang Kai‐meng , Chang Wei‐xing , Li Jing
Published: January 2012

1,3‐Dichloro‐tetra‐n‐butyl‐distannoxane was firstly used to catalyze the direct substitution of 9H‐xanthen‐9‐ol with indoles at room temperature to afford a class of 3‐(9H‐xanthen‐9‐yl)‐1H‐indole derivatives in good to excellent isolating yield. Moreover, other nucleophiles (such as diketone and pyrrole) could also proceed smoothly in this methodology. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new methodology for the oxidation of sulfides with Fe(III) catalysts
Authors: Chakraborty Debashis , Malik Payal , Goda Vinod Kumar
Published: January 2012

A variety of sulfides were converted to the corresponding sulfoxide derivatives with 70% t‐BuOOH (water) as the oxidant in the presence of catalytic quantity of Fe2(SO4)3. The method described has a wide range of applications, involves simple work‐up, exhibits chemoselectivity/enantioselectivity and proceeds under mild reaction conditions. The resulting products are obtained in good yield within a reasonable time. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metallocarbonyl complexes of bromo‐ and dibromomaleimide: synthesis and biochemical application
Authors: Rudolf Bogna , Salmain Michele , Fornal Emilia , Rybarczyk‐Pirek Agnieszka
Published: January 2012

Bromomaleimides react with cysteine residues to form thiomaleimides that can be further cleaved with TCEP (tris(2‐carboxyethyl)phosphine) to regenerate the cysteine derivatives. Herein we report the preparation of new organometallic Fe complexes containing monobromo and dibromo maleimide ligands. Both of these complexes were characterised by X‐ray diffraction. Organometallic bromomaleimide derivatives were reacted with the thiol‐containing biomolecules: cysteine ethyl ester hydrochloride, glutathione and papain. These cysteine‐containing molecules underwent a substitution reaction with metallocarbonyl bromo‐ or dibromo maleimide complexes, followed by an addition reaction to the thio‐maleimide double bond if thiol was added in excess. The metallocarbonyl mono‐bromomaleimide complex was shown to inhibit the peptidase activity of the enzyme papain. The resulting papain–maleimide product could be cleaved by addition of TCEP to regenerate the catalytically active enzyme. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydrogenation and hydrogenolysis of furfural and furfuryl alcohol catalyzed by ruthenium(II) bis(diimine) complexes
Authors: Gowda Anitha S. , Parkin Sean , Ladipo Folami T.
Published: January 2012

The catalytic activity of ruthenium(II) bis(diimine) complexes cis‐[Ru(6,6′‐Cl2bpy)2(OH2)2](Z)2 (1, Z = CF3SO3; 2, Z = (3,5‐(CF3)2C6H3)4B, i.e. BArF) and cis‐[Ru(4,4′‐Cl2bpy)2(OH2)2](Z)2 (3, Z = CF3SO3; 4, Z = BArF) for the hydrogenation and/or the hydrogenolysis of furfural (FFR) and furfuryl alcohol (FFA) was investigated. The molecular structures of cis‐[Ru(4,4′‐Cl2bpy)2(CH3CN)2](CF3SO3)2 (3′) and dimeric cis‐[(Ru(4,4′‐Cl2bpy)2Cl)2](BArF)2 (5) were characterized by X‐ray crystallography. The structures are consistent with the anticipated reduction in steric hindrance about the ruthenium centers in comparison with corresponding complexes containing 6,6′‐Cl2bpy ligands. While compounds 1, 2, 3, 4 are all active and highly selective catalysts for the hydrogenation of FFR to FFA under modest reaction conditions, 3 and 4 showed decreased activity. This is best explained in terms of reduced Lewis acidity of the Ru2+ centers and reduced steric hindrance about the metal centers of catalysts 3 and 4. cis‐[Ru(6,6′‐Cl2bpy)2(OH2)2](BArF)2 (2) also displayed high catalytic efficiency for the hydrogenation of FFA to tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol. Presumably, this is because coordination of C═C bonds of FFA to the ruthenium center is poorly inhibited by non‐coordinating BArF counterions. Interestingly, cis‐[Ru(6,6′‐Cl2bpy)2(OH2)2](CF3SO3)2 (1) showed some catalytic activity in ethanol for the hydrogenolysis of FFA to 2‐methylfuran, albeit with fairly modest selectivity. Nonetheless, these results indicate that ruthenium(II) bis(diimine) complexes need to be further explored as catalysts for the hydrogenolysis of C―O bonds of FFR, FFA, and related compounds. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and characterization of polyvinylpyrollidone incorporated cellulose acetate membranes for ultrafiltration of metal ion
Authors: Kumari Archana , Sarkhel Gautam , Choudhury Arup
Published: January 2012

Cellulose acetate (CA) membranes are widely used for reverse osmosis and ultrafiltration (UF) applications. In this study, asymmetric CA membranes were prepared by phase inversion method using different concentration of polyvinylpyrollidone (PVP) as a pore former. The prepared polymeric blend membranes were characterized by Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscope. The effect of PVP concentration on the UF performance of the blend membranes was investigated and discussed in terms of water content (%), compaction, and pure water flux (PWF). It was observed that the thermal stability of the membranes increased with increasing the PVP content, whereas the mechanical strength of membranes was deteriorated. The number of pore and pore size distribution in the membrane structure were evaluated. The PWF and water content (%) of the membranes were dependent on the PVP concentration. Studies were carried to find out the rejection and permeate flux of cadmium ion using humic acid as the chelating agent. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Inner Ear Evolution in Primates Through the Cenozoic: Implications for the Evolution of Hearing
Authors: Coleman Mark N. , Boyer Doug M.
Published: January 2012

Mammals are unique in being the only group of amniotes that can hear sounds in the upper frequency range (>12 kHz), yet details about the evolutionary development of hearing patterns remain poorly understood. In this study, we used high resolution X‐ray computed tomography to investigate several functionally relevant auditory structures of the inner ear in a sample of 21 fossil primate species (60 Ma to recent times) and 25 species of living euarchontans (primates, tree shrews, and flying lemurs). The structures examined include the length of the cochlea, development of bony spiral lamina and area of the oval window (or stapedial footplate when present). Using these measurements we predicted aspects of low‐frequency and high‐frequency sensitivity and show that hearing patterns in primates likely evolved in several stages through the first half of the Cenozoic. These results provide temporal boundaries for the development of hearing patterns in extant lineages and strongly suggest that the ancestral euarchontan hearing pattern was characterized by good high‐frequency hearing but relatively poor low‐frequency sensitivity. They also show that haplorhines are unique among primates (extant or extinct) in having relatively longer cochleae and increased low‐frequency sensitivity. We combined these results with additional, older paleontological evidence to put these findings in a broader evolutionary context. Anat Rec, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Body donation in India: Social awareness, willingness, and associated factors
Authors: Rokade Shrikant A. , Gaikawad Anjana P.
Published: January 2012

With the attendant rise of the number of medical colleges in India over past few decades, the demand for cadavers used in medical education and research is growing. However, there is an insufficient supply of donated cadavers available for dissection. This study was undertaken to assess the general population's awareness of body donation programs and willingness to donate in the State of Maharashtra, India. The willingness of participants to donate was compared with age, gender, and education of the respondents. A total of 625 adult individuals from the State of Maharashtra participated in a survey composed of questions about age, sex, education, awareness of body donation programs, and willingness to donate. It was found that 90.9% of the medical colleges surveyed reported an inadequate supply of cadavers. Of the general population, 32.1% of respondents were aware of body donation, compared to 95.83% of health care professionals. However, only 19.5% of the general population and 44.9% of health care professionals were willing to donate their bodies for anatomical education. Younger age groups, males, graduates, and postgraduates were found more willing to donate their bodies. Organ donation was preferred over body donation. A lack of awareness about body donation was the main factor responsible for respondents' “no body donation” response in the general population, along with firm religious beliefs and customs, the fear that the donated body will not be treated with respect and dignity, and the unacceptability of the dissection of one's own body. To overcome the current shortage of donated cadavers, efforts should be undertaken to change the mindset of the wider Indian society toward body donation. The authors believe this is possible through awareness campaigns and that prospective donors' concerns should be addressed appropriately. Proper guidance and assistance regarding body donation should be easily available for potential donors. Anat Sci Educ. © 2012 American Association of Anatomists.
Pathways for agro‐bioenergy transition in Ukraine
Authors: Voytenko Yuliya
Published: January 2012

Economies in transition (EiTs) (e. g. Ukraine (UA), Belarus, Moldova, etc.) are significantly dependent on energy imports, and require revitalization of their agricultural sectors and improvements in the state of the environment. Development of national bioenergy potentials can contribute to the solutions to these problems. However, EiTs face technical, political, financial, and capacity‐based constraints in their transition to bioenergy.

Biomass can potentially deliver 18% (1 EJ yr‐1) in UA's energy balance while the current figure is only 0.7%. The bioenergy sector is not established in UA. This work identifies facilitating and constraining factors for the transition to agro‐bioenergy in UA, and suggests strategies to pursue such transition.

A conceptual framework – agro‐biomass framework for organisation and action (ABF) – developed by the author applies a technology innovation system (TIS) approach, which is expanded to include four categories of analysis: actors and networks, natural resources, technical resources, and non‐technical components. Seven TIS functions are analyzed in relation to each category within UA's bioenergy sector. The results are presented as constraining and facilitating factors for bioenergy in UA in relation to these functions. Strategies for the enhancement of each function are formulated, and recommendations to a variety of stakeholders to facilitate the transition to agro‐bioenergy in UA are made.

This work establishes pre‐requisites for a legitimate agro‐industrial bioenergy sector in UA and is unique for the UA and EiT context. New ABFs can be further applied in a variety of settings for the analysis of bioenergy initiatives and the degree of bioenergy development. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Acute administration of the organochalcogen 3‐methyl‐1‐phenyl‐2‐(phenylseleno)oct‐2‐en‐1‐one induces biochemical and hematological disorders in male rats
Authors: dos Santos Lacerda Denise , de Oliveira Castro Vanessa , Mascarenhas Marcello , Guerra Robson Brum , Dani Caroline , Coitinho Adriana , Gomez Rosane , Funchal Cláudia
Published: January 2012

Organochalcogens are extensively produced and employed by industry and agriculture, and the risk of occupational and environmental toxicity to them has been poorly understood. Here, we investigated the acute effect of a new organochalcogen 3‐methyl‐1‐phenyl‐2‐(phenylseleno)oct‐2‐en‐1‐one on biochemical and hematological parameters in male Wistar rats. The animals were treated with a single intraperitoneal injection of the organochalcogen at doses of 125, 250 or 500 µg·kg–1. After 60 min, the animals were sacrificed by decapitation, and the trunk blood was collected for determination of glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, urea, creatinine, C‐reactive protein, red blood cells, hematocrit, hemoglobin and white blood cells (WBC). Our results showed a reduction in cholesterol levels in all treated groups, an increase in ALT activity at doses of 250 and 500 µg·kg–1, a decrease of hemoglobin and an increase in WBC in animals that received 250 and 500 µg·kg–1 of the organoselenium. In addition, we observed an increase in neutrophil counts at 125 µg·kg–1 dose and a decrease at 500 µg·kg–1 dose. We also verified an increase in lymphocyte counts at the dose of 500 µg·kg–1. Thus, the present study shows that the acute treatment with this new organochalcogen causes biochemical changes and hematological disorders in male rats. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pd Cluster Nanowires as Highly Efficient Catalysts for Selective Hydrogenation Reactions
Authors: Zhang Zhi‐Cheng , Zhang Xin , Yu Qi‐Yu , Liu Zhi‐Chang , Xu Chun‐Ming , Gao Jin‐Sen , Zhuang Jing , Wang Xun
Published: January 2012

Palladium is a key catalyst invaluable to many industrial processes and fine‐chemical synthesis. Although recent progress has allowed the synthesis of Pd nanoparticles with various shapes by using different techniques, the facile synthesis of Pd nanocrystals and turning them into a highly active, selective, and stable catalyst systems still remain challenging. Herein, we report the highly selective one‐pot synthesis of monodisperse Pd cluster nanowires in aqueous solution; these consist of interconnected nanoparticles and may serve as highly active catalysts because of the enrichment of high index facets on the surface, including {443}, {331}, and {221} steps. For the first time, carbon nanotube and γ‐Al2O3 immobilized Pd cluster nanowires showed highly enhanced catalytic performance in the liquid‐phase selective hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde and gas‐phase hydrogenation of 1,3butadiene relative to immobilized Pd icosahedra and nanocubes, as well as commercial Pd catalysts.
Lung cancer with translocation in the anaplastic lymphoma kinase gene
Authors: Ramalingam Suresh S. , Khuri Fadlo R.
Published: January 2012

ALK‐positive nonsmall cell lung cancer represents a unique molecular subset with distinct clinical characteristics. With the availability of effective therapy, developing sensitive diagnostic methods has become an urgent priority.
Phase 2 study of neoadjuvant docetaxel plus bevacizumab in patients with high‐risk localized prostate cancer
Authors: Ross Robert W. , Galsky Matthew D. , Febbo Phil , Barry Marc , Richie Jerome P. , Xie Wanling , Fennessy Fiona M. , Bhatt Rupal S. , Hayes Julia , Choueiri Toni K. , Tempany Clare M. , Kantoff Philip W. , Taplin Mary E. , Oh William K.
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND:

Treatment of high‐risk localized prostate cancer remains inadequate. The authors performed a phase 2 multicenter trial of neoadjuvant docetaxel plus bevacizumab before radical prostatectomy.

METHODS:

Eligibility included any of the following: prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) >20 ng/mL or PSA velocity >2 ng/mL/y, cT3 disease, any biopsy Gleason score 8 to 10, and Gleason score 7 with T3 disease by endorectal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 1.5 T. Also, those with ≥50% biopsy cores involved and either Gleason score 7, PSA >10, or cT2 disease were eligible. Patients were treated with docetaxel 70 mg/m2 every 3 weeks for 6 cycles and bevacizumab 15 mg/m2 every 3 weeks for 5 cycles. The primary endpoint was partial response by endorectal MRI.

RESULTS:

Forty‐one patients were treated. Median age was 55 years (range, 40‐66 years). Baseline characteristics included: median PSA, 10.1 ng/mL; cT2, 49%, cT3, 32%; and Gleason score 8 to 10, 73%. Thirty‐eight of 41 (93%) patients completed all 6 cycles. Grade ≥3 adverse events were rare, although 3 of 41 (7%) experienced febrile neutropenia. Twelve patients (29%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 16%‐45%) achieved a >50% reduction in tumor volume, and 9 patients (22%; 95% CI, 11%‐38%) achieved a >50% post‐treatment decline in PSA. Thirty‐seven of the 41 patients underwent radical prostatectomy; there were no complete pathologic responses.

CONCLUSIONS:

Neoadjuvant docetaxel and bevacizumab is safe, and results in reductions in both tumor volume and serum PSA, in men with high‐risk localized prostate cancer. The role of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in prostate cancer, and perioperative antiangiogenic therapy in general, requires further elucidation through ongoing and planned trials. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.