bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Constraints from atmospheric CO2 and satellite-based vegetation activity observations on current land carbon cycle trends
Authors: Dalmonech D. , Zaehle S.
Published: November 2012

Abstract. Terrestrial ecosystem models used for Earth system modelling show a significant divergence in future patterns of ecosystem processes, in particular carbon exchanges, despite a seemingly common behaviour for the contemporary period. An in-depth evaluation of these models is hence of high importance to achieve a better understanding of the reasons for this disagreement. Here, we develop an extension for existing benchmarking systems by making use of the complementary information contained in the observational records of atmospheric CO2 and remotely-sensed vegetation activity to provide a firm set of diagnostics of ecosystem responses to climate variability in the last 30 yr at different temporal and spatial scales. The selection of observational characteristics (traits) specifically considers the robustness of information given the uncertainties in both data and evaluation analysis. In addition, we provide a baseline benchmark, a minimum test that the model under consideration has to pass, to provide a more objective, quantitative evaluation framework. The benchmarking strategy can be used for any land surface model, either driven by observed meteorology or coupled to a climate model. We apply this framework to evaluate the offline version of the MPI-Earth system model's land surface scheme JSBACH. We demonstrate that the complementary use of atmospheric CO2 and satellite based vegetation activity data allows to pinpoint specific model failures that would not be possible by the sole use of atmospheric CO2 observations.
Radium-based estimates of cesium isotope transport and total direct ocean discharges from the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant accident
Authors: Charette M. A. , Breier C. F. , Henderson P. B. , Pike S. M. , Rypina I. I. , Jayne S. R. , Buesseler K. O.
Published: November 2012

Abstract. Radium has four naturally occurring isotopes that have proven useful in constraining water mass source, age, and mixing rates in the coastal and open ocean. In this study, we used radium isotopes to determine the fate and flux of runoff-derived cesium from the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant (NPP). During a June 2011 cruise, the highest Cs concentrations were found along the eastern shelf of northern Japan, from Fukushima south, to the edge of the Kuroshio current, and in an eddy ∼ 130 km from the NPP site. Locations with the highest cesium also had some of the highest radium activities, suggesting much of the direct ocean discharges of Cs remained in the coastal zone 2–3 months after the accident. We used a short-lived Ra isotope (223Ra, t1/2 = 11.4 d) to derive an average water mass age (Tr) in the coastal zone of 32 days. To ground-truth the Ra age model, we conducted a direct, station-by-station comparison of water mass ages with a numerical oceanographic model and found them to be in excellent agreement (model avg. Tr = 27 days). From these independent Tr values and the inventory of Cs within the water column at the time of our cruise, we were able to calculate an offshore 134Cs flux of 3.9–4.6 × 1013 Bq d−1. Radium-228 (t1/2 = 5.75 yr) was used to derive a vertical eddy diffusivity (Kz) of 0.7 m2 d−1 (0.1 cm2 s−1); from this Kz and 134Cs inventory, we estimated a 134Cs flux across the pycnocline of 1.8 × 104 Bq d−1 for the same time period. On average, our results show that horizontal mixing loss of Cs from the coastal zone was ∼ 109 greater than vertical exchange below the surface mixed layer. Finally, a mixing/dilution model that utilized our Ra-based and oceanographic model water mass ages produced a direct ocean discharge of 134Cs from the FNPP of 11–16 PBq at the time of the peak release in early April 2011. Our results can be used to calculate discharge of other water-soluble radionuclides that were released to the ocean directly from the Fukushima NPP.
Climate and vegetation changes during the Lateglacial and Early-Mid Holocene at Lake Ledro (southern Alps, Italy)
Authors: Joannin S. , Vannière B. , Galop D. , Peyron O. , Haas J.-N. , Gilli A. , Chapron E. , Wirth S. B. , Anselmetti F. , Desmet M. , Magny M.
Published: November 2012

Abstract. Adding to the on-going debate regarding vegetation recolonisation in Europe and climate change since the Lateglacial, this study investigates a long sediment core (LL081) from Lake Ledro (652 m a.s.l., southern Alps, Italy). Environmental changes that where reconstructed using multiproxy analysis (pollen-based vegetation and climate reconstruction, lake-levels, magnetic susceptibility and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) measurements) recorded climate and land-use changes during the Lateglacial and Early-Mid Holocene. The well-dated and high-resolution pollen record of Lake Ledro is compared with vegetation records from the southern and northern Alps to trace the history of distribution tree species. An altitude-dependent progressive time-delay of the first continuous occurrence of Abies (fir) and of the Larix (larch) development has been observed since the Lateglacial in the southern Alps. This pattern suggests that the mid-altitude Lake Ledro area was not a refuge and that trees originated from lowlands or hilly areas (e.g. Euganean Hills) in northern Italy. Preboreal oscillations (ca. 11 000 cal. BP), Boreal oscillations (ca. 10 200, 9300 cal. BP) and n.e. 8.2 kyr cold event suggest a centennial-scale short-lasting climate forcing in the studied area. Picea (spruce) expansion occurred preferentially around 10 200 cal. BP and 8200 cal. BP in the south-eastern Alps and, therefore, reflects the long-lasting cumulative effects of successive boreal and 8.2 kyr cold events. The extension of Abies is contemporaneous with the 8.2 kyr event, but its development in the southern Alps benefits from the wettest interval 8200–7300 cal. BP evidenced in high lake-levels, flood activity and pollen-based climate reconstructions. Since ca. 7500 cal. BP, low signal of pollen-based anthropogenic activities suggest a weak human impact. The period between ca. 5700 and ca. 4100 cal. BP is considered as a transition period to colder and wetter conditions (particularly during summers) that favoured a dense beech (Fagus) forest development which in return caused a distinctive yew (Taxus) decline. We conclude that climate was the dominant factor controlling vegetation changes and erosion processes during the Early and Mid Holocene (up to ca. 4100 cal. BP).
Climatology and time series of surface meteorology in Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard
Authors: Maturilli M. , Herber A. , König-Langlo G.
Published: November 2012

Abstract. A consistent meteorological dataset of the Arctic site Ny-Ålesund (11.9° E, 78.9° N) spanning the 18-yr-period 1 August 1993 to 31 July 2011 is presented. Instrumentation and data handling of temperature, humidity, wind and pressure measurements are described in detail. Monthly mean values are shown for all years to illustrate the interannual variablity of the different parameter. Climatological mean values are given for temperature, humidity and pressure. From the climatological dataset, we also present the time series of annual mean temperature and humidity, revealing a temperature increase of +1.35 K per decade and an increase in water vapor mixing ratio of +0.22 g kg−1 per decade for the given time period, respectively. With the continuation of the presented measurements, the Ny-Ålesund high resolution time series will provide a reliable source to monitor Arctic change and retrieve trends in the future. The relevant data are provided in high temporal resolution as averages over 5 [1] min before [after] 14 July 1998, respectively, placed on the PANGAEA repository (http://doi.pangaea.de/10.1594/PANGAEA.793046). While synoptic observations by the Norwegian Meteorological Institute reach back to 1935 (Førland et al., 2011), the meteorological data presented here cover a shorter time period, but their high temporal resolution will be of value for atmospheric process studies on shorter time scales.
From the chlorophyll a in the surface layer to its vertical profile: a Greenland Sea relationship for satellite applications
Authors: Cherkasheva A. , Bracher A. , Nöthig E.-M. , Bauerfeind E. , Melsheimer C.
Published: November 2012

Abstract. Current estimates of global marine primary production range over a factor of two. At high latitudes, the uncertainty is even larger than globally because here in-situ data and ocean color observations are scarce, and the phytoplankton absorption shows specific characteristics due to the low-light adaptation. The improvement of the primary production estimates requires an accurate knowledge on the chlorophyll vertical profile, which is the basis for most primary production models. To date, studies describing the typical chlorophyll profile based on the chlorophyll in the surface layer did not include the Arctic region or, if it was included, the dependence of the profile shape on surface concentration was neglected. The goal of our study was to derive and describe the typical Greenland Sea chlorophyll profiles, categorized according to the chlorophyll concentration in the surface layer and further monthly resolved. The Greenland Sea was chosen because it is known to be one of the most productive regions of the Arctic and is among the Arctic regions where most chlorophyll field data are available. Our database contained 1199 chlorophyll profiles from R/Vs Polarstern and Maria S Merian cruises combined with data of the ARCSS-PP database (Arctic primary production in-situ database) for the years 1957–2010. The profiles were categorized according to their mean concentration in the surface layer and then monthly median profiles within each category were calculated. The category with the surface layer chlorophyll exceeding 0.7 mg C m−3 showed a clear seasonal cycle with values gradually decreasing from April to August. Chlorophyll profiles maxima moved from lower depths in spring towards the surface in late summer. Profiles with smallest surface values always showed a subsurface chlorophyll maximum with its median magnitude reaching up to three times the surface concentration. While the variability in April, May and June of the Greenland Sea season is following the global non-monthly resolved relationship of the chlorophyll profile to surface chlorophyll concentrations described by the model of Morel and Berthon (1989), it deviates significantly from that in other months (July–September) where the maxima of the chlorophyll are at quite different depths. The Greenland Sea dimensionless monthly median profiles intersect roughly at one common depth within each category. Finally, by applying a Gaussian fitting with 0.1 mg C m−3 surface chlorophyll steps to the median monthly resolved chlorophyll profiles of the defined categories, mathematical approximations have been determined. These will be used as the input to the satellite-based primary production models estimating primary production in Arctic regions.
A new bed elevation dataset for Greenland
Authors: Griggs J. A. , Bamber J. L. , , Hurkmans R. T. W. L. , Dowdesewell J. A. , Gogineni S. P. , Howat I. , Mouginot J. , Paden J. , Palmer S. , Rignot E. , Steinhage D.
Published: November 2012

Abstract. We present a new bed elevation dataset for Greenland derived from a combination of multiple airborne ice thickness surveys undertaken between the 1970s and 2011. Around 344 000 line kilometres of airborne data were used, with the majority of this having been collected since the year 2000, when the last comprehensive compilation was undertaken. The airborne data were combined with satellite-derived elevations for non glaciated terrain to produce a consistent bed digital elevation model (DEM) over the entire island including across the glaciated/ice free boundary. The DEM was extended to the continental margin with the aid of bathymetric data, primarily from a compilation for the Arctic. Ice shelf thickness was determined where a floating tongue exists, in particular in the north. The across-track spacing between flight lines warranted interpolation at 1 km postings near the ice sheet margin and 2.5 km in the interior. Grids of ice surface elevation, error estimates for the DEM, ice thickness and data sampling density were also produced alongside a mask of land/ocean/grounded ice/floating ice. Errors in bed elevation range from a minimum of ±6 m to about ±200 m, as a function of distance from an observation and local topographic variability. A comparison with the compilation published in 2001 highlights the improvement in resolution afforded by the new data sets, particularly along the ice sheet margin, where ice velocity is highest and changes most marked. We use the new bed and surface DEMs to calculate the hydraulic potential for subglacial flow and present the large scale pattern of water routing. We estimate that the volume of ice included in our land/ice mask would raise eustatic sea level by 7.36 m, excluding any solid earth effects that would take place during ice sheet decay.
Cancer Stem Cells: A Review of Potential Clinical Applications
Authors: Podberezin Mark , Wen Jianguo , Chang Chung-Che (Jeff
Published: November 2012

Context.—Cancer stem cells (CSCs) comprise a minor cell population in a tumor; however, they possess self-renewal capacity and are responsible for tumor recurrence and the emerging issue of tumor resistance. Despite recent advances in the study of pathogenesis and mechanisms of CSC-mediated disease recurrence and multidrug resistance, many questions remain unanswered.

Objectives.—To provide an overview of CSC theory and to describe major methods of CSC detection and isolation, with the emphasis on those techniques that are potentially relevant in clinical laboratory practice. Particular attention is given to CSC markers, such as cancer testis antigens, which could become promising targets in the development of immunotherapy in settings of minimal residual disease.

Data Sources.—The review is based on analysis of peer-reviewed literature cited in PubMed, as well as preliminary results of studies conducted in our laboratory.

Conclusions.—Despite a lack of consensus in the scientific community on research methodology, CSCs have demonstrated significant potential as therapeutic targets in the treatment of cancer. Further research of CSC biology and markers will eventually lead to the development of novel therapeutic approaches for targeting these cells to treat resistant and recurrent tumors and minimal residual disease.
Exponential Sum Modeling of Reswick and Rogers Pressure-Duration Curve: A New Analysis and Model
Authors: Oscar A. Linares  , Darko Stefanovski  , Raymond C. Boston
Published: November 2012

Reswick and Rogers model is not valid for predicting the effects of short- and long-time tissue exposures to contact pressures because it lacks intercepts. A different model, without those asymptotic properties, that could fit the shape of the curve well, could potentially provide useful information. We used modeling to test the hypotheses that an exponential model could fit Reswick and Rogers pressure-duration curve, and, if so, to determine the order of the best fit exponential model. Up to four exponential sum models were fit. Three exponentials provided the best fit [Weighted sum-of-squared residuals 72, Akaike Information Criterion 89, r=0.997]. Thereby identifying three homogeneously distinct anatomical pressure-load containing tissue compartments: skin, fat, and muscle. A fourth compartment, bone, could not be identified because of limited resolution of the data. Our results suggest that the fat pressure-load containing compartment may play an adaptive compensatory preventive role in response to pressure loads—“a cushion effect.” Exponential sum modeling of pressure-duration curves provides a new approach for studying the dynamics of compression in normal and disease states in humans, and it may be useful for practical application at the point-of-care to assist with prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers.
Conceptualizing humans as animals in English verb particle constructions
Authors: Panther Klaus-Uwe , Thornburg Linda L.
Published: November 2012

Author/s

Klaus-Uwe PantherNanjing Normal University, China, and University of Hamburg, GermanyLinda L. ThornburgNanjing Normal University, China

 

ABSTRACT

Verb particle constructions with animal names used as verbs (‘VPrt critter constructions’), such as horse around, clam up, and rat out, are interesting because of their (i) grammatical structure, (ii) pragmatic function, (iii) conceptual content, and (iv) the cultural knowledge they reflect. This chapter focuses on the latter two aspects of critter constructions. More specifically, we assume that an adequate analysis of critter constructions requires folk or cultural models of the animals in question, spatial schemas for the particle, metaphorical mappings and metonymic inferences, and aspectual categories in the sense of Vendler (1957). We place our findings in the larger context of the status of cultural and cognitive models in general. Such models (including animal folk models) are often outdated and reflect centuries-old beliefs that have left their traces in lexico-grammatical structure, in this case, critter constructions.
Hodgkin lymphoma: 2012 update on diagnosis, risk‐stratification, and management
Authors: Ansell Stephen M.
Published: November 2012

Disease overview: Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is an uncommon B‐cell lymphoid malignancy affecting 9,000 new patients annually and representing approximately 11% of all lymphomas in the United States.

Diagnosis: HL is composed of two distinct disease entities; the more commonly diagnosed classical HL and the rare nodular lymphocyte predominant HL. Nodular sclerosis, mixed cellularity, lymphocyte depletion, and lymphocyte‐rich HL are subgroups under the designation of classical HL.

Risk stratification: An accurate assessment of the stage of disease in patients with HL is critical for the selection of the appropriate therapy. Prognostic models that identify patients at low or high risk for recurrence are used to optimize therapy for patients with limited or advanced stage disease.

Risk‐adapted therapy: Initial therapy for HL patients is based on the histology of the disease, the anatomical stage and the presence of poor prognostic features. Patients with early stage disease are treated with combined modality strategies utilizing abbreviated courses of combination chemotherapy followed by involved‐field radiation therapy, while those with advanced stage disease receive a longer course of chemotherapy often without radiation therapy.

Management of refractory disease: High‐dose chemotherapy (HDCT) followed by an autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) is the standard of care for most patients who relapse following initial therapy. For patients who fail HDCT with ASCT, brentuximab vedotin, palliative chemotherapy, non‐myeloablative allogeneic transplant or participation in a clinical trial should be considered. © Am. J. Hematol. 87:1096–1103, 2012. VVC 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
MT2‐MMP Expression During Early Avian Morphogenesis
Authors: Patterson Rachel A. , Cavanaugh Ann M. , Cantemir Veronica , Brauer Philip R. , Reedy Mark V.
Published: November 2012

Membrane‐type 2 matrix metalloproteinase (MT2‐MMP; also called MMP15) is a membrane‐bound protease that degrades extracellular matrix and activates proMMPs such as proMMP‐2. MMP‐2 expression in avian embryos is well documented, but it is not clear how proMMP‐2 is activated during avian embryogenesis. Herein, we report that MT2‐MMP mRNA is expressed in several tissues including the neural folds and epidermal ectoderm, intermediate mesoderm, pharyngeal arches, limb buds, and dermis. Several, but not all, of these tissues are known to express MMP‐2. These observations suggest MT2‐MMP may play a role during embryonic development not only through its own proteolytic activity but also by activating proMMP‐2. Anat Rec, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Tensor Tympani Motoneurons Receive Mostly Excitatory Synaptic Inputs
Authors: Benson Thane E. , Lee Daniel J. , Brown M. Christian
Published: November 2012

The tensor tympani is a middle ear muscle that contracts in two different situations: in response to sound or during voluntary movements. To gain insight into the inputs and neural regulation of the tensor tympani, we examined the ultrastructure of synaptic terminals on labeled tensor tympani motoneurons (TTMNs) using transmission electron microscopy. Our sample of six TTMNs received 79 synaptic terminals that formed 126 synpases. Two types of synapses are associated with round vesicles and form asymmetric junctions (excitatory morphology). One of these types has vesicles that are large and round (Lg Rnd) and the other has vesicles that are smaller and round (Sm Rnd) and also contains at least one dense core vesicle. A third synapse type has inhibitory morphology because it forms symmetric synapses with pleomorphic vesicles (Pleo). These synaptic terminals can be associated with TTMN spines. Two other types of synapse are found on TTMNs but they are uncommon. Synaptic terminals of all types form multiple synapses but those from a single terminal are always the same type. Terminals with Lg Rnd vesicles formed the most synpases per terminal (avg. 2.73). Together, the synaptic terminals with Lg Rnd and Sm Rnd vesicles account for 62% of the terminals on TTMNs, and they likely represent the pathways driving the contractions in response to sound or during voluntary movements. Having a high proportion of excitatory inputs, the TTMN innervation is like that of stapedius motoneurons but proportionately different from other types of motoneurons. Anat Rec, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Monitoring chemical impacts on cell cultures by means of image analyses
Authors: McConico Morgan B. , Horton Rebecca B. , Witt Kendhl K. , Vogt Frank
Published: November 2012

Many chemical processes are involved in the interactions of living cells with their environment; however, monitoring such processes often requires sophisticated analyzers. In this study, a sensing strategy based on imaging techniques has been developed to (i) enable cell discrimination based on their physical appearance such as size and shape and (ii) to build predictive models that relate the measured cell appearance to chemical parameters in their environment. Both goals aim at innovative and straightforward sensing strategies for analyzing cell–environment interactions. Image analyses offer several advantages such as the use of simpler, more robust sensors and the omission of extensive sample/sensor preparations. Imaging can analyze numerous cells and thus gains a culture representative insight rather than a potentially nonrepresentative single‐cell response.

As a proof‐of‐principle application, different species of microalgae cells have been exposed to various nutrient conditions. Microalgae are known to sensitively adapt to changing nutrient conditions and could potentially become biological “probes” for chemical shifts in ecosystems. Because of considerable spreads of cell size and shapes within one class, size and shape distributions have been derived from visible images of cell cultures. It is shown that the novel image analyses are capable of discriminating different cell species based on their cell shapes and sizes. It is also demonstrated that in conjunction with the recently introduced, nonlinear multivariate “predictor surfaces”, the nutrient availability has a quantifiable impact on the cell size distributions. In this application, predictor surfaces are somewhat more precise than partial least squares. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enantiomeric Discrimination of Isoxazoline Fused β‐amino Acid Derivatives using (18‐Crown‐6)‐2,3,11,12‐tetracarboxylic Acid as a Chiral NMR Solvating Agent
Authors: Howard Jessica A. , Nonn Melinda , Fulop Ferenc , Wenzel Thomas J.
Published: November 2012

(18‐Crown‐6)‐2,3,11,12‐tetracarboxylic acid is a useful chiral NMR solvating agent for isoxazoline‐fused β‐amino acid derivatives. Isoxazoline substrates are analyzed as their hydrochloride salts in methanol‐d4. The crown ether and substrate associate through the formation of three hydrogen bonds between the protonated amine and crown ether oxygen atoms. Enantiomeric discrimination is observed for two or more resonances of every substrate. At least one of these resonances is free of overlap with other resonances in the spectrum and has large enough enantiomeric discrimination to enable the determination of enantiomeric purity. 2D COSY methods can be used to identify additional resonances that exhibit enantiomeric discrimination in the NMR spectrum. Chirality, 25:48‐53, 2013.© 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Simulation of a Heat Pump Dryer for Medicinal Plants
Authors: Ziegler Thomas , Jubaer Hasan , Mellmann Jochen
Published: November 2012

Partially open and closed cycle modes of heat pump drying of medicinal plants were investigated theoretically as well as in industrial practice and were assessed from an energetic point of view. A simulation model was developed and validated with measurements performed at an industrial dryer. Design and control parameters for operation in partially open mode were calculated and implemented. Case studies for different operating conditions revealed that the partially open mode is more energy‐efficient than the closed cycle mode. Comparisons with conventional drying ascertained the feasible ambient conditions for heat pump operation. Almost all probable meteorological conditions during the drying season in Germany were covered in the analyses.
A Variational Analysis of the Toda System on Compact Surfaces
Authors: Malchiodi Andrea , Ruiz David
Published: November 2012

In this paper we consider the following Toda system of equations on a compact surface:

We will give existence results by using variational methods in a noncoercive case. A key tool in our analysis is a new Moser‐Trudinger type inequality under suitable conditions on the center of mass and the scale of concentration of the two components u1 and u2. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Halogenated nucleotide labeling of nascent RNAs reveals dynamic transcription in growing pig oocytes
Authors: Oqani Reza K. , Lee Min Gu , Diao Yun Fei , Han Rong Xun , Jin Dong Il
Published: November 2012

Background: Germ cells differentiate into oocytes in females and are arrested at the first meiotic prophase. However, during arrest, oocytes undergo a growth phase leading to a dramatic increase in size, which is under control of transcription events. In the current study, we examined the transcriptional activity of growing pig oocytes using an immunocytochemical approach. Our data showed that fluorouridine (FU), a halogenated nucleotide, can be successfully incorporated into synthesizing RNAs and detected using a specific monoclonal antibody. Results: Using this method, we identified dynamic changes in transcriptional activity patterns in growing pig oocytes. Oocytes obtained from small follicles exhibited the highest level of transcription, while at the final phase of growth, transcription was no longer detected. These transcriptional changes were concomitant with chromatin compaction resulting in a tightly packed ring‐like chromatin conformation surrounding the nucleolar structure. Also, FU incorporation appeared sensitive to the biochemical manipulation of transcription, because transcriptional inhibitors induced a decrease in signal intensity from FU labeling and transcriptional activation caused an increase in FU signal intensity. Conclusions: Our data collectively support that a direct link exists between chromatin configuration and transcriptional activity in pig oocytes, and support the suitability of FU for studies on transcription‐related events in mammalian oocytes. Developmental Dynamics 242:16–22, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Erythema Ab igne in an adolescent with anorexia nervosa
Authors: Docx Martine K.F. , Simons Annik , Ramet José , Mertens Luc
Published: November 2012

Objective:

A rare skin lesion, erythema ab igne (EAI) is presented, in an adolescent female with anorexia nervosa.

Method:

Clinical records of this patient were compared with a pubmed search about EAI in patients with an eating disorder.

Results:

The patient presented with localized, spider‐like, erythematous and hyperpigmented skin lesions on the lower abdomen and on both thighs. Repetitive exposure to heating pads can induce reticular and macular hyperpigmentation with telangiectases without squamation. Strict avoidance of heat is advised, because there is no effective treatment.

Discussion:

EAI is described in patients with an eating disorder. Facing an increased pain threshold, prolonged heat exposure to treat a general feeling of cold, can induce this dermatosis. © 2012 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2013)
1D Spin‐Crossover Networks Containing a FeII(1,2,3‐triazol‐1‐yl)4(CH3CN)2‐Type Core
Authors: Białońska Agata , Bronisz Robert , Baranowski Łukasz
Published: November 2012

Bis(1,2,3‐triazol‐1‐yl)methane (mbtr) was used to prepare 1D networks in which neighboring iron(II) ions are tethered by two semiflexible ligand molecules. [Fe(mbtr)2(CH3CN)2]X2·2CH3CN (X = BF4–, ClO4–) systems represent unique example of complexes that are based on monosubstituted 1,2,3‐triazoles, in which four 1,2,3‐triazole rings and two axially coordinated nitrile molecules form the first coordination sphere. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and magnetic studies revealed that, in addition to homoleptic [Fe(1,2,3‐triazol)6]‐type core systems, complexes possessing the Fe(1,2,3‐triazolyl)4(CH3CN)2‐type core also exhibit thermally induced spin crossover.
A Three‐Dimensional Two‐Phase Model for a Membraneless Fuel Cell Using Decomposition of Hydrogen Peroxide with Y‐Shaped Microchannel
Authors: Peng J. , Zhang Z. Y. , Niu H. T.
Published: November 2012

A three‐dimensional, two‐phase, multi‐component mixture model in conjunction with a finite‐volume‐based computational fluid dynamics (CFD) technique is applied to simulate the operation of membraneless fuel cell with Y‐shape channel. Hydrogen peroxide is employed both as fuel and oxidant, which are dissolved in diluted sodium hydroxide and sulfuric acid solutions, respectively. Almost all transport phenomena occurring in the fuel cell such as fluid flows, mass transport, electrochemical kinetics, and charge transport are accounted in this model. The oxygen O2 gas, which is a product on the anode electrode, is assumed to be insoluble. The presence of gas phase acts to prevent the processes of reactant supply and product removal. Thus, the cell performance is hindered, while it is operated at the normal current density situation. On the other hand, the capillary action is found to enhance the electrolyte transport in the anode porous electrode, which may slightly improve the cell performance at the high‐current density situation. Besides, a secondary vortex flow is induced due to the transportation of the gas phase, which drifts from the bottom to the top of the channel. The mixing zone is then inclined, which may result in serious fuel crossing phenomenon.
Nickel–Iron Anode Substrate for Smart Solid Oxide Fuel Cells with a Self‐Protecting Function Against Reoxidation
Authors: Ju Y.‐W. , Ida S. , Ishihara T.
Published: November 2012

Development of highly reliable solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) is strongly requested, and the introduction of a self‐protecting function is an ideal approach to increase the reliability of SOFCs. A highly porous (>33%) Ni–Fe metal substrate, which has well‐developed nanopores, is prepared by reduction of NiO–Fe2O3. In an oxidizing atmosphere, a thin layer of Fe2O3 forms on the surface of the substrate. As a result, the porous morphology changes at the surface and becomes denser. This morphological change occurs only at the surface and prevents oxidation of Ni in the bulk of the substrate. Furthermore, the surface morphology returns to its original state following reduction. Therefore, despite the fact that Ni is readily oxidized, Ni metal phase is sustained in the Ni–Fe bimetallic alloy substrate even after 480 h oxidation in air. The cell power density is also stably sustained after a few reduction–reoxidation cycles. Here, we report that Ni–Fe bimetal alloy substrate exhibits a self‐protecting function against reoxidation of the substrate, which would otherwise lead to a permanent failure of the cell.
Biomarkers of inflammation are associated with colorectal cancer risk in women but are not suitable as early detection markers
Authors: Toriola Adetunji T. , Cheng Ting‐Yuan D. , Neuhouser Marian L. , Wener Mark H. , Zheng Yingye , Brown Elissa , Miller Joshua W. , Song Xiaoling , Beresford Shirley A.A. , Gunter Marc J. , Caudill Marie A. , Ulrich Cornelia M.
Published: November 2012

Initial studies have investigated the association between inflammation and colorectal cancer (CRC) using C‐reactive protein (CRP) as a proinflammatory biomarker and have noted inconsistent results among women. We here report the findings from a large prospective study with repeat measurements of CRP, as well as serum amyloid A (SAA), an additional biomarker of inflammation, and risk of CRC. In the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study, we examined associations of CRP and SAA with CRC using repeat assessments (baseline and 3‐year follow‐up) among 953 matched case–control pairs for CRP and 966 pairs for SAA. Multivariate‐adjusted conditional‐logistic regression models were used with two‐sided tests of significance. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis assessed their utility as early detection markers. Colon cancer risk (odds ratio [OR] and 95% confidence intervals) among women in the highest quintiles of CRP or SAA compared to those in the lowest quintiles was ORcolon/CRP = 1.37 (0.95–1.97, p‐trend = 0.04) and ORcolon/SAA = 1.26 (0.88–1.80, p‐trend = 0.10), respectively. Women with elevated concentrations of both CRP and SAA had an increased risk of ORcolon = 1.50 (1.12–2.00, p‐value = 0.006) compared to those with low concentrations. No positive associations were observed with rectal cancer and weaker associations for CRC overall. Temporal changes in biomarkers more than 3 years did not predict risk. The area under the 6‐month ROC curve for CRP+SAA was 0.62 (95% confidence interval = 0.55–0.68). Elevated inflammatory biomarkers are associated with an increased risk of CRC, mainly colon cancer. Nevertheless, changes in the biomarkers over time do not suggest that they merit consideration as early detection markers for CRC.
Lifestyle factors, autoimmune disease and family history in prognosis of non‐hodgkin lymphoma overall and subtypes
Authors: Simard Julia F. , Baecklund Fredrik , Chang Ellen T. , Baecklund Eva , Hjalgrim Henrik , ‐Olov Adami Hans , Glimelius Bengt , Smedby Karin E.
Published: November 2012

Lifestyle factors and medical history are known to influence risk of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Whether these factors affect the prognosis of NHL, especially its subtypes, is unclear. To investigate this, the association between these factors and all‐cause and lymphoma‐related mortality was assessed in a population‐based cohort of 1,523 Swedish NHL patients included in the Scandinavian Lymphoma Etiology study in 1999–2002. Participants contributed time from NHL diagnosis until death or October 1, 2010, with virtually complete follow‐up through linkage to the Swedish Cause of Death Register. Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using stratified and multivariable‐adjusted Cox regression models. During a median follow‐up of 8.8 years, 670 patients (44%) died, with the majority of deaths attributed to lymphoma (86%). Current versus never smoking at diagnosis was associated with increased rate of all‐cause death for all NHL (HR = 1.5, 1.2–1.8) and diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (HR = 1.8, 1.2–2.7). Low educational level (HR = 1.3, 1.1–1.7, <9 vs. >12 years) and NHL risk‐associated autoimmune disease (HR = 1.4, 1.0–1.8) were associated with death for all NHL combined. However, evidence of an association with lymphoma‐related death was limited. Body mass index, recent sunbathing and family history of hematopoietic malignancy were not consistently associated with death after NHL or its specific subtypes. These results add to the evidence that cigarette smoking, socioeconomic status and certain autoimmune diseases affect survival after NHL. Further investigations are needed to determine how these factors should be incorporated into clinical prognostic assessment.
Combinatorial synthesis of labelled drugs and PET tracers: synthesis of a focused library of 11C‐carbonyl‐labelled acrylamides as potential biomarkers of EGFR expression
Authors: Åberg Ola , Långström Bengt
Published: November 2012

Combinatorial synthesis is extensively used in drug development and lead optimisation. However, this approach has rarely been used for positron emission tomography because of limitations in available technologies. [11C]Carbon monoxide is amenable to combinatorial synthesis in transition‐metal‐catalysed reactions because it can react with a wide variety of electrophiles and nucleophiles, which opens up the possibilities for combinatorial radiochemistry. Herein, we exemplify the combinatorial approach by 11C‐labelling a library of epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors. The selection of candidates was guided by molecular docking. Epidermal growth factor receptor is overexpressed in a variety of tumours, and it has become an important drug target. The 11C‐labelling reactions were performed using four substituted vinyl iodides and three different 4‐anilino‐6‐aminoquinazolines using a palladium‐mediated reaction with [11C]carbon monoxide using a single set of reaction conditions. In total, 12 labelled acrylamide derivatives were radiolabelled and obtained in 24–61% decay‐corrected radiochemical yield (from [11C]carbon monoxide). Starting from 5.6 GBq [11C]carbon monoxide, 0.85 GBq of formulated N‐[4‐(3‐bromo‐phenylamino)‐quinazolin‐6‐yl]‐acryl[11C]amide [11C]12da was obtained within 47 min from end of bombardment (specific activity of 60 GBq µmol−1). This strategy is an example of how [11C]carbon monoxide can be utilised in the labelling of libraries of drug candidates and positron emission tomography tracers for in vitro and in vivo testing.
Should lamivudine monotherapy be stopped or continued in patients infected with hepatitis B with favorable responses after more than 5 years of treatment?
Authors: Kwon Jung Hyun , Jang Jeong Won , Choi Jong Young , Park Chung‐Hwa , Yoo Sun Hong , Bae Si Hyun , Yoon Seung Kew
Published: November 2012

Regarding the limited evidence for determining the optimal duration of antiviral treatment for hepatitis B, the long‐term outcome of patients with favorable responses to over 5 years of lamivudine monotherapy was investigated. Two hundred seventy‐one patients who had received lamivudine for at least 5 years were enrolled. Ultimately, 72 patients without YMDD mutations and showing hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA levels <2.5 pg/ml after 5 years of treatment were analyzed. Mean treatment duration with lamivudine was 9.1 ± 2.6 years. During the treatment, HBeAg and HBsAg loss/seroconversion rates were 95 and 6.9%, respectively. Decompensation and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) developed in 2.8 and 6.9% of patients, respectively. Old age and cirrhosis were risk factors for HCC development. Finally, 11.1% of patients developed YMDD mutations after 8.3 ± 2.4 years of treatment. There was no hepatic decompensation among the patients who developed delayed YMDD mutations. Sixteen patients who achieved a complete response stopped lamivudine and four patients showed relapses 10.3 ± 8.5 months after stopping lamivudine. Relapsed patients had more cirrhotic livers and higher rates of HBeAg positivity at 5 years than patients who maintained complete response. The present study suggests that patients who do not develop YMDD mutations over 5 years of treatment with lamivudine may continue lamivudine monotherapy until the loss of HBsAg. However, even for the patients showing favorable response over 5 years of treatment, those in older ages, with cirrhosis or who show poor HBeAg responses should be on careful monitoring to detect the development of viral mutations, relapse and even HCC. J. Med. Virol. 85:34–42, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Respiratory syncytial virus protects against the subsequent development of ovalbumin‐induced allergic responses by inhibiting Th2‐type γδ T cells
Authors: Zhang Leiying , Liu Jing , Wang Enhua , Wang Bing , Zeng Sheng , Wu Jianqi , Kimura Yoshinobu , Liu Beixing
Published: November 2012

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection has been hypothesized to be a risk factor for the development of allergy and asthma, but epidemiologic studies in humans still remain inconclusive. The association between RSV infection and allergic diseases may be dependent on an atopic background and previous history of RSV infection. It has been reported that RSV infection before sensitization to an allergen decreased the production of Th2‐like cytokines in the lung and the levels of allergen‐specific Th2‐type antibodies in the serum. However, the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. In the present study, the role of pulmonary γδ T cells in RSV‐affected, allergen‐induced airway inflammation was investigated. BALB/c mice were sensitized to or challenged with ovalbumin (OVA) and infected with RSV either before or after the sensitization period. It became clear that sensitization and challenge of mice with OVA induced a large influx of γδ T cells to the lungs. However, prior RSV infection inhibited the infiltration of γδ T cells as well as activated γδ T cells, characterized by expression of CD40L or CD69 molecular in the cell surface. Moreover, prior RSV infection elevated the type 1 cytokine gene expression but suppressed type 2 cytokine expression in the lung γδ T cells. Adoptive transfer of γδ T cells from OVA‐sensitized and challenged mice increased airway inflammation, suggesting that γδ T cells may play a proinflammatory role in allergic responses. These results described here support the idea of an unknown γδ T cell‐dependent mechanism in the regulation of RSV‐affected, allergen‐induced allergic airway responses. J. Med. Virol. 85:149–156, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Molecular characterization of serotype G9 rotaviruses circulating in South Korea between 2005 and 2010
Authors: Than Van Thai , Kang Hyeonji , Lim Inseok , Kim Wonyong
Published: November 2012

A total of 18 rotavirus G9 strains in South Korea were collected during five rotavirus seasons between 2005 and 2010. The relationship between these strains was examined by analyzing the genetic variation of two major structural genes, VP7 and VP4. All the rotavirus isolates were of the G9P[8] genotype. The VP7 phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that all of the G9 rotaviruses circulating in South Korea belonged to lineage IIId and were within three single clusters. The amino acid comparison of the antigenic regions of the VP7 gene suggests possible common progenitors of these strains. Phylogenetic analysis of P[8] VP4 genotypes indicated three lineages, P[8]‐2, P[8]‐3, and P[8]‐4, with P[8]‐3 being the most common. The results of this study provide information on the genetic relatedness of rotavirus G9 strains circulating in South Korea over recent years and can be utilized for the development of effective vaccines and the identification of reference strains for future efficacy studies. J. Med. Virol. 85:171–178, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Genotyping of human papillomavirus in paraffin embedded cervical tissue samples from women in ethiopia and the Sudan
Authors: Abate Ebba , Aseffa Abraham , El‐Tayeb Muntasir , El‐Hassan Ibrahim , Yamuah Lawrence , Mihret Wude , Bekele Liku , Ashenafi Senait , El‐Dawi Nadia , Belayneh Meseret , El‐Hassan Ahmed , Engers Howard
Published: November 2012

Cervical cancer is the most frequent female malignancy in most developing countries. Previous studies have demonstrated a strong association of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection with dysplasia and carcinoma of the uterine cervix. The objective of this study was to identify the prevailing HPV genotypes responsible for the development of cervical cancer among women in Ethiopia and the Sudan. A molecular characterization of HPV was done on 245 paraffin embedded cervical biopsy samples collected from the two countries. Amplification of HPV and subsequent genotyping was done using SPF10 primers and Line probe assay. Of samples collected from Ethiopian patients, 93% (149/160) and 13% (21/160) had high risk and low risk HPV genotypes, respectively. Among samples collected from the Sudan, 94% (80/85) harbored high risk and 11.7% (10/85) low risk HPV genotypes. Human papillomavirus 16 was the most frequent genotype identified in samples from Ethiopia (91%, 136/149) and the Sudan (82.5%, 66/80). HPV 52, 58, and 18 were the second, third and fourth common genotypes identified in Ethiopia, whereas HPV 18, 45, and 52 were the second, third, and fourth genotypes identified in samples collected from the Sudan. Thus, individuals living in different geographical localities should receive vaccines based on the specific genotypes circulating in the area and a vaccine targeting HPV 16, 18, 45, 52, and 58 may be optimal for the control of cervical cancer in the two countries. J. Med. Virol. 85:282–287, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Clinical impact of A/H1/N1/09 influenza in patients with cirrhosis: Experience from a nosocomial cluster of infection
Authors: Marzano Alfredo , Marengo Andrea , Ruggiero Tina , Allice Tiziano , Sanna Claudia , Alessandria Carlo , Morgando Anna , Sciandrello Maria Clotilde , Franzin Anna Maria , Rizzetto Mario , Ghisetti Valeria
Published: November 2012

A/H1N1/09 influenza is associated with a high risk of complications in patients with chronic diseases, but data on morbidity and mortality in patients with cirrhosis are limited. A cluster of A/H1N1/09 infection in 48 patients admitted to a Gastro‐Hepatology Unit is reported. Nosocomial spread, clinical outcome, and viral characteristics of A/H1N1/09 strains from a study group of 48 inpatients (21 and 27 with and without cirrhosis, respectively) were compared with those from a control group of 44 outpatients with mild influenza‐like illness and without cirrhosis. A/H1N1/09 infection was confirmed in 8/48 (17%) inpatients. A/H1N1/09 infection rate did not differ in patients with and without cirrhosis (4/21, 19%; 4/27, 15%), but three patients with cirrhosis died of pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome, with fungal or bacterial superinfection in two cases, despite antiviral treatment. None of patients without cirrhosis died. Viral sequences showed the presence of hemagglutinin mutation D222G in two out of three fatal cases and S183P in seven out of eight infected patients. These mutants were not detected in the outpatients group. Even if A/H1N1/09 infection rate in hospitalized patients with and without cirrhosis was not significantly different, cirrhosis and D222G/S183P substitutions were significantly associated with severe disease and poor outcome, also suggesting fungal or bacterial superinfection and portal hypertension as risk factors for A/H1N1/09 disease severity in patients with cirrhosis. Vaccination, preventive and early treatment and a strict control of nosocomial spread should be activated carefully in patients with cirrhosis during epidemics influenza. J. Med. Virol. 85:1–7, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.