bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A bacterial protein promotes the recognition of the Legionella pneumophila vacuole by autophagy
Authors: Khweek Arwa A. , Caution Kyle , Akhter Anwari , Abdulrahman Basant A. , Tazi Mia , Hassan Hoda , Majumdar Neal , Doran Andrew , Guirado Evelyn , Schlesinger Larry S. , Shuman Howard , Amer Amal O.
Published: February 2013

Legionella pneumophila (L. pneumophila) is an intracellular bacterium of human alveolar macrophages that causes Legionnaires’ disease. In contrast to humans, most inbred mouse strains are restrictive to L. pneumophila replication. We demonstrate that autophagy targets L. pneumophila vacuoles to lysosomes and that this process requires ubiquitination of L. pneumophila vacuoles and the subsequent binding of the autophagic adaptor p62/SQSTM1 to ubiquitinated vacuoles. The L. pneumophila legA9 encodes for an ankyrin‐containing protein with unknown role. We show that the legA9 mutant replicate in WT mice and their bone marrow‐derived macrophages. This is the first L. pneumophila mutant to be found to replicate in WT bone marrow‐derived macrophages other than the Fla mutant. Less legA9 mutant‐containing vacuoles acquired ubiquitin labeling and p62/SQSTM1 staining, evading autophagy uptake and avoiding lysosomal fusion. Thus, we describe a bacterial protein that targets the L. pneumophila‐containing vacuole for autophagy uptake.
One‐Pot Synthesis of Pyrrolo[3,4‐a]indolizine‐1,3‐diones through [3+2] Cycloaddition‐Oxidation Reaction Catalyzed by CuII Salt and O2 as the Oxidant
Authors: Liu Yun , Hu Hua‐You , Su Xian‐Bin , Sun Jin‐Wei , Cao Chang‐Sheng , Shi Yan‐Hui
Published: February 2013

An efficient one‐pot synthesis of pyrrolo[3,4‐a]indolizine‐1,3‐diones has been developed from maleimides, pyridines, and acyl bromides through a [3+2] cyclization–oxidation reaction catalyzed by CuII salt under O2 atmosphere. The advantage of this method is the use of molecular oxygen as the oxidant, in the presence of a catalytic amount of hydrated copper(II) chloride, to accomplish the reaction with broad substrate scope and excellent yields.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Sonogashira Reaction for the Synthesis of Arylalkynecarboxylic Acids from Aryl Bromides at Low Temperature
Authors: Park Kyungho , You Jung‐Min , Jeon Seungwon , Lee Sunwoo
Published: February 2013

A variety of aryl bromides were coupled with propiolic acid in the presence of 1,8‐diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec‐7‐ene (DBU) and catalyst Pd(PPh3)4 to afford the corresponding arylalkynecarboxylic acids in good yields at low temperature. This method showed good tolerance toward functional groups such as alkoxy, ketone, ester, aldehyde, cyano, nitro, and hydroxy. Under these conditions, propiolic acid showed higher reactivity than any other compound containing terminal alkyne groups. According to the mechanistic studies, the key reaction step for the high reactivity of propiolic acid might be ligand exchange between the acetylide and bromide at palladium, and/or reductive elimination, but not the oxidative addition step.
LC‐MS/MS identification of the one‐carbon cycle metabolites in human plasma
Authors: Gardner Lidia A. , Desiderio Dominic M. , Groover Chassidy J. , Hartzes Anastasia , Yates Charles R. , Zucker‐Levin Audrey R. , Bloom Leonard , Levin Michael C.
Published: February 2013

The one‐carbon cycle is composed of four major biologically important molecules: methionine (l‐Met), S‐adenosylmethionine (SAM), S‐adenosylhomocysteine (SAH), and homocysteine (Hcy). In addition to these key metabolites, there are multiple enzymes, vitamins, and cofactors that play essential roles in the cascade of the biochemical reactions that convert one metabolite into another in the cycle. Simultaneous quantitative measurement of four major metabolites can be used to detect possible aberrations in this vital cycle. Abnormalities in the one‐carbon cycle might lead to hyper‐ or hypomethylation, homocystinemia, liver dysfunction, and accumulation of white‐matter hyperintensities in the human brain. Previously published methods describe evaluation of several components of the one‐carbon cycle, but none to our knowledge demonstrated simultaneous measurement of all four key molecules (l‐Met, SAM, SAH, and Hcy). We describe a novel analytical method suitable for simultaneous identification and quantification of l‐Met, SAM, SAH, and Hcy with LC‐MS/MS. Moreover, we tested this method to identify these metabolites in human plasma collected from patients with multiple sclerosis and healthy individuals. In a pilot feasibility study, our results indicate that patients with multiple sclerosis showed abnormalities in the one‐carbon cycle.
Use of novel phenyl‐hexyl core‐shell particles in nano‐LC
Authors: Fanali Salvatore , Rocchi Silvia , Chankvetadze Bezhan
Published: February 2013

This paper reports the use of novel phenyl‐hexyl core‐shell particles packed into fused silica capillaries in nano‐LC. Capillary columns of different id of 25, 50, 75, 100, and 150 μm were packed employing the slurry packing method. The columns were used for the separation of a model mixture containing five aromatic hydrocarbons. Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, n‐propylbenzene, and n‐butylbenzene were separated utilizing an isocratic elution mode. Mixtures of water/ACN at different ratio were studied to find optimal experimental conditions for baseline separation of all sample components. As expected with this novel stationary phase, an RP chromatographic mechanism was observed. A mixture of water/ACN, 30:70, v/v allowed the complete resolution of the studied analytes. Efficiency increased by decreasing the capillary id recording the highest number of plates per meter with capillaries of 25 μm id. The decrease of the column id also resulted in a flatter dependence of the plate numbers on the linear flow rate of the mobile phase allowing the increase of the flow rate of the mobile phase without significant decrease of efficiency.
Automated sample preparation for CE‐SDS
Authors: Le M. Eleanor , Vizel Alona , Hutterer Katariina M.
Published: February 2013

Traditionally, CE with SDS (CE‐SDS) places many restrictions on sample composition. Requirements include low salt content, known initial sample concentration, and a narrow window of final sample concentration. As these restrictions require buffer exchange for many sample types, sample preparation is often tedious and yields poor sample recoveries. To improve capacity and streamline sample preparation, an automated robotic platform was developed using the PhyNexus Micro‐Extractor Automated Instrument (MEA) for both the reduced and nonreduced CE‐SDS assays. This automated sample preparation normalizes sample concentration, removes salts and other contaminants, and adds the required CE‐SDS reagents, essentially eliminating manual steps during sample preparation. Fc‐fusion proteins and monoclonal antibodies were used in this work to demonstrate benefits of this approach when compared to the manual method. With optimized conditions, this application has demonstrated decreased analyst “hands on” time and reduced total assay time. Sample recovery greater than 90% can be achieved, regardless of initial composition and concentration of analyte.
Bioanalysis: Heri, hodie, cras
Authors: Righetti Pier Giorgio
Published: February 2013

This review, compiled for celebrating the decennial of the series of issues of Electrophoresis on bioanalysis, does not cover much heri (yesterday in Latin), since this was extensively described by my previous review Electrophoresis 2004, 25, 2111–2127, nor, for that matter cras (tomorrow in Latin) since making predictions on future scenarios is decidedly a nonscientific endeavor, but is concentrated onto hodie (today in Latin). Recent progress in the following fields is covered: SDS electrophoresis; IEF and the unraveling of the chemistry and composition of soluble carrier ampholytes; 2D maps; CE with microchip technology and some coatings of unique performance; chemistry and function of combinatorial peptide ligand libraries. This latter technique is becoming fundamental in the detection and identification of low‐abundance proteins in proteome analysis.
Evaluation of phytotoxicity and genotoxicity of nitrobenzene with A battery of Vicia Faba assay system
Authors: Ma Jun , Guo Donglin , Su Wenyue , Wang Dan , Guo Changhong
Published: February 2013

Nitrobenzene (NB) is an important organic compound intermediate that is used widely in industry. In the present study, to evaluate the phytotoxicity and genotoxicity of NB on plants, Vicia faba was exposed to increasing concentrations of NB (5 mg L−1, 10 mg L−1, 25 mg L−1, 50 mg L−1, and 100 mg L−1). The data revealed that germination rate and radicle length of V. faba seedlings were promoted by low NB concentrations and short exposure periods, whereas these parameters were inhibited at greater NB concentrations and longer exposures. When assessed by mitotic index, micronucleus, and chromosomal aberration assays, NB showed dose-dependent genotoxicity at 0 mg L−1 to 50 mg L−1. Environ Toxicol Chem 2013;32:1426–1432. © 2013 SETAC
Docking-based three-dimensional quantitative structure–activity relationship (3D-QSAR) predicts binding affinities to aryl hydrocarbon receptor for polychlorinated dibenzodioxins, dibenzofurans, and biphenyls
Authors: Yuan Jintao , Pu Yuepu , Yin Lihong
Published: February 2013

Polychlorinated dibenzodioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) cause toxic effects after binding to an intracellular cytosolic receptor called the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). Thymic atrophy, weight loss, immunotoxicity, acute lethality, and induction of cytochrome P4501A1 have all been correlated with the binding affinity to AhR. To study the key molecular features for determining binding affinity to AhR, a homology model of AhR ligand-binding domains was developed, a molecular docking approach was employed to obtain docking-based conformations of all molecules in the whole set, and 3-dimensional quantitative structure–activity relationship (3D-QSAR) methodology, namely, comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA), was applied. A partial least square analysis was performed, and QSAR models were generated for a training set of 59 compounds. The generated QSAR model showed good internal and external statistical reliability, and in a comparison with other reported CoMFA models using different alignment methods, the docking-based CoMFA model showed some advantages. Environ Toxicol Chem 2013;32:1453–1458. © 2013 SETAC
Bioavailability-based chronic toxicity measurements of permethrin to Chironomus dilutus
Authors: Du Juan , Pang Junxiao , You Jing
Published: February 2013

Compared with acute toxicity, chronic exposures to low levels of contaminants are more environmentally relevant, but fewer data are available. In the present study, sediment toxicity of the pyrethoid permethrin to Chironomus dilutus was determined. The whole-life-cycle toxicity testing was conducted with the endpoints covering survival, growth, emergence, and reproduction. Permethrin caused 50% lethality in C. dilutus at 1.83 ± 1.13 µg/g organic carbon (OC) and 1.20 ± 0.55 µg/g OC after exposures of 20 d (before pupation) and 58 d (the end of the testing), respectively. The 5% and median effect concentrations (EC5 and EC50) represented the marginal and toxic levels of the sublethal effects, respectively, and effect data were all normalized to the controls before Probit analysis. The EC5s for growth, emergence, and reproduction were 0.034 ± 0.006 µg/g OC, 0.016 ± 0.008 µg/g OC, and 0.009 ± 0.008 µg/g OC, respectively; the respective EC50s were 1.09 ± 0.56 µg/g OC, 0.838 ± 0.077 µg/g OC, and 0.039 ± 0.105 µg/g OC. In addition, a 24-h Tenax extraction was employed to better assess permethrin bioavailability. Ultimately, response spectra with a series of endpoints were developed for permethrin using either OC-normalized bulk sediment concentrations or bioavailability-based Tenax extractable concentrations as the dose metric. The development of bioavailability-based chronic toxicity endpoints for sediment-associated permethrin would provide valuable benchmarks for evaluating ecological risk of this contaminant and contributing to improve sediment management policies. Environ Toxicol Chem 2013;32:1403–1411. © 2013 SETAC
Multiple lines of evidence risk assessment of american robins exposed to polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFS) and polychlorinated dibenzo-P-dioxins (PCDDS) in the tittabawassee river floodplain, Midland, Michigan, Usa
Authors: Tazelaar Dustin L. , Fredricks Timothy B. , Seston Rita M. , Coefield Sarah J. , Bradley Patrick W. , Roark Shaun A. , Kay Denise P. , Newsted John L. , Giesy John P. , Bursian Steven J. , Zwiernik Matthew J.
Published: February 2013

Concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) in Tittabawassee River floodplain soils and biota downstream of Midland, Michigan, USA, are greater than regional background concentrations. From 2005 to 2008, a multiple lines of evidence approach was utilized to evaluate the potential for effects of PCDD/DFs on American robins (Turdus migratorius) breeding in the floodplains. A dietary-based assessment indicated there was potential for adverse effects for American robins predicted to have the greatest exposures. Conversely, a tissue-based risk assessment based on site-specific PCDD/DF concentrations in American robin eggs indicated minimal potential for adverse effects. An assessment based on reproductive endpoints indicated that measures of hatch success in study areas were significantly less than those of reference areas. However, there was no dose-response relationship between that endpoint and concentrations of PCDD/DF. Although dietary-based exposure and reproductive endpoint assessments predicted potential for adverse effects to resident American robins, the tissue-based assessment indicates minimal to no potential for adverse effects, which is reinforced by the fact the response was not dose related. It is likely that the dietary assessment is overly conservative given the inherent uncertainties of estimating dietary exposure relative to direct tissue-based assessment measures. Based on the available data, it can be concluded that exposure to PCDD/DFs in the Tittabawassee River floodplain would not likely result in adverse population-level effects to American robins. Environ Toxicol Chem 2013;32:1304–1316. © 2013 SETAC
Air–plant exchange of brominated flame retardants at a rural site: Influencing factor, interspecies difference, and forest scavenging
Authors: Tian Mi , Chen She-Jun , Luo Yong , Wang Jing , Zhu Zhi-Cheng , Luo Xiao-Jun , Mai Bi-Xian
Published: February 2013

Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in eucalyptus leaves and pine needles from a rural site in southern China were measured to investigate the air–plant exchange. Mean concentrations of BFRs were higher in pine needles (79.8 ng/g dry wt) than in eucalyptus leaves (74.5 ng/g), whereas an inverse result was found for the leaf surface particles, with mean concentrations of 3490 ng/g and 5718 ng/g, respectively. For most of the BFRs, the correlations between their concentrations in plants and those in the vapor phase, atmospheric particles, leaf surface particles, and the environmental variables (temperature, wind speed, and relative humidity) at this site were in contrast to the results the authors observed at an electronic waste site previously, indicating that ambient air level plays a vital role in the relationships. The interspecies difference in the BFR profiles and the correlations above implied that pine needles likely have more advantages for uptake of BFRs from gaseous deposition than eucalyptus leaves, for which particle-bound deposition is more important. Like the electronic waste site, the leaf scavenging ratios of BFRs were also controlled by their octanol–air partition coefficient. It was estimated that approximately 154 kg of BFRs in the atmosphere are scavenged annually by forest in this region, which was 1.7 times larger than that via atmospheric deposition to nonforest ground. Environ Toxicol Chem 2013;32:1248–1253. © 2013 SETAC
SILAGE MAIZE GROWTH SIMULATION USING PILOTE AND CROPSYST MODEL
Authors: Bouazzama B. , Mailhol J. C. , Xanthoulis D. , Bouaziz A. , Ruelle P. , Belhouchette H.
Published: February 2013

Models simulating the effects of water stress on crop growth can be valuable tools for improving water management. PILOTE, an operative crop model, and CropSyst, a more sophisticated one, are compared on the basis of the simulation of silage maize (Zea maize L.) growth for 2 years (2009–2010) under different water supply regimes in the semi‐arid climate of Tadla (Morocco). Both based on Beer's law via the intercepted potential active radiation (IPAR) regarding dry matter accumulation, the models differ in the level of complexity describing crop development, biomass growth, root water uptake principle and consequently, in the number of input parameters. The models were calibrated on an unstressed irrigation treatment in 2009, and were validated on other stressed and unstressed treatments in 2009 and 2010. Although PILOTE required fewer input parameters and data than CropSyst, it performed similarly and often better when simulating both biomass and soil water balance. Therefore, for water management purposes only, the use of a simpler model such as PILOTE can be recommended. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MODELLING IRRIGATED WHEAT PRODUCTION USING THE FAO AQUACROP MODEL IN WEST BENGAL, INDIA, FOR SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE
Authors: Singh Ajai , Saha Sankar , Mondal Sanchita
Published: February 2013

The AquaCrop model clarifies the effects of water on crop yield and is a useful tool for improving farm‐level water management and optimizing water use efficiency. AquaCrop is a water‐driven simulation model that requires a relatively low number of parameters and input data to simulate the yield response to water of most of the major field and vegetable crops cultivated worldwide. Although the model is simple, it pays particular attention to the fundamental processes involved in crop productivity and in the responses to water, from a physiological and agronomic perspective. Good agreement was obtained by AquaCrop in simulating wheat yields under full irrigation. The experiment was conducted with 10 varieties (DBW 17, RAJ 4120, PBW 621, K 0307, HD 2733, HD 2687, CBW 38, DBW 39, HD 2985 and PBW 343) of wheat during 2008–2009 and 2009–2010 at the farm of Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya at Majhian located in Dakshin Dinajpur District of West Bengal, India, during December to April, and growth stages and production were simulated using the AquaCrop model for the best variety. The model simulated wheat yield as 4.16 t ha−1as compared to the actual yield of 4.10 t ha−1 in the year 2008–2009. The model was validated in 2009–2010 for simulating wheat yield and performance of the model was quite satisfactory. The model simulated 4.01 t ha−1 as compared to the actual yield of 3.90 t ha−1. The model did not perform very well for the validation period. The simplicity of AquaCrop in its required minimum input data, which are readily available or can easily be collected, makes it user‐friendly. It is also a very useful model for scenario simulations and for planning purposes to be used by economists, water administrators and managers working in West Bengal, India. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Combined use of fluorescence cystoscopy and cross‐polarization OCT for diagnosis of bladder cancer and correlation with immunohistochemical markers
Authors: Gladkova Natalia , Kiseleva Elena , Streltsova Olga , Prodanets Natalia , Snopova Ludmila , Karabut Maria , Gubarkova Ekaterina , Zagaynova Elena
Published: February 2013

The combined use of fluorescence cystoscopy and cross‐polarization optical coherence tomography (CP OCT) with quantitative estimation of the OCT signal was assessed in 92 bladder zones. It demonstrated the diagnostic accuracy in detecting superficial bladder cancer of 93.6%, sensitivity 96.4%, specificity 92.1%, positive predictive value 87% and negative predictive value 97.9%. Quantitative estimation of OCT signal standard deviation in cross‐polarization (CP OCT SD index) makes the visual criteria of CP OCT image assessment more objective. The level of CP OCT SD index for diagnosing superficial bladder cancer, including cancer in situ, was 4.32 dB and lower. When tumor is located on a postoperative scar, CP OCT SD index may be higher than the threshold level of 4.32 dB due to strong scattering and depolarization in scar fibrous tissue. A high inverse correlation was found between CP OCT SD index and the level expressed by p63, Ki‐67, p53, CD44v6 markers. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Apheresis therapy in children: An overview of key technical aspects and a review of experience in pediatric renal disease
Authors: Hunt Elizabeth A.K. , Jain Namrata G. , Somers Michael J.G.
Published: February 2013

Although there is less experience with its use in children than adults, apheresis can be a life‐saving treatment modality in certain pediatric diseases. With attention to specific technical aspects of the treatment, especially circuit volume, apheresis can be safely performed in children of any age or size. Even in pediatric diseases where it is recognized as an important part of therapy, apheresis is unfortunately still underutilized in North America and there needs to be increased awareness of its role and its availability within the pediatric community. Apheresis has been used particularly in children with certain renal diseases, notably ANCA‐associated nephritis, anti‐GBM disease, and atypical HUS. In addition, it can improve outcomes in transplantation of children with FSGS and can be part of a pre‐transplant strategy for children who are highly sensitized and at high risk for graft failure. J. Clin. Apheresis 28:36–47, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura—what is new?
Authors: Shah Neil , Sarode Ravi
Published: February 2013

A functional deficiency of ADAMTS13 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with a thrombospondin type 1 motif), a von‐Willebrand factor (VWF) cleaving protease, is central to the pathogenesis of congenital and acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). ADAMTS13 testing has evolved from assays that required long denaturation and incubation times to ones that employ a modified recombinant VWF with improved standardization and turn around times. While plasma exchange is a mainstay in the treatment of TTP, increased use of rituximab, an antibody against CD20, has proved helpful in the treatment of patients with exacerbations and relapses. The next generation of drugs focuses on using recombinant ADAMTS13 and molecules that block the interaction of VWF and platelets to prevent thrombotic microangiopathy. The increased awareness and availability of ADAMTS13 testing has also made it possible to detect atypical presentations of TTP such as patients with macrovascular neurological symptoms without accompanying hematological findings as well as help diagnose other causes of thrombotic microangiopathies e.g. atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome. The use of ADAMTS13 testing in the management of TTP should continue to grow especially with newer assays with greater sensitivity, reproducibility, and timelier availability. J. Clin. Apheresis 28:30–35, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Market Competition and the Use of Performance Measures in Chinese Firms
Authors: Zhang Chuan , Pan Fei , Lin Thomas W.
Published: February 2013

This article shows that use of new performance measures by Chinese firms is a key to maintaining competitive advantage. As competition intensifies, merely cutting price and reducing cost is not neces‐sarily a good strategy: Chinese firms need to use an appropriate mix of relevant financial and nonfinancial measures. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Grand challenges in quantum‐classical modeling of molecule–surface interactions
Authors: Herbers Claudia R. , Li Chunli , van der Vegt Nico F. A.
Published: February 2013

A detailed understanding of the adsorption of small molecules or macromolecules to a materials surface is of importance, for example, in the context of material and biomaterial research. Classical atomistic simulations in principle provide microscopic insight in the complex entropic and enthalpic interplay at the interface. However, an application of classical atomistic simulation techniques to such interface systems is a nontrivial problem, mostly because commonly used force fields cannot be straightforwardly applied, as they are usually developed to reproduce bulk properties of either solids or liquids but not the interfacial region between two phases. Therefore, a dual‐scale modeling approach has often been the method of choice in the past, in which the classical force field is parameterized such that quantum chemical information on near‐surface conformations and adsorption energies is reproduced by the classical force field. We will discuss in this review the current state‐of‐the‐art of quantum‐classical modeling of molecule–surface interactions and outline the major challenges in this field. In this context, we will, among other things, lay emphasis on discussing ways to obtain representable force fields and propose systematic and system‐independent strategies to optimize the quantum‐classical fitting procedure. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Desiccation Resistance in Embryos of the Killifish, Fundulus heteroclitus: Single Embryo Measurements
Authors: CHUAYPANANG SIRILAK , KIDDER GEORGE W. , PRESTON ROBERT L.
Published: February 2013

Northern killifish, Fundulus heteroclitus macrolepidotus, spawn in estuaries at high tides. Embryos may be stranded in air at stream margins as the water recedes. These aerially incubated embryos are exposed to desiccation stress and may survive and develop normally to hatching at ∼14 days post‐fertilization (dpf). We developed a technique to quantitatively measure the kinetics of water loss at various developmental stages from single embryos in controlled relative humidities (RHs). Embryos were able to tolerate short periods (2 hr) of severe desiccation and survive to hatching. Mid‐stage (7 dpf) embryos showed the highest degree of desiccation tolerance compared to early‐stage (2 dpf) and late‐stage (14 dpf) embryos. We classified the patterns of water loss into four phases, the perivitelline space (PVS) phase, the resistance phase, the desiccation phase, and the equilibration phase. In the PVS phase, water loss was rapid at all developmental stages and all RHs (∼25% of total embryo weight). The water loss rate was slower during the resistance phase. It decreased as RH increased and length of this phase was longer in mid‐stage than in early‐ and late‐stage embryos. The water loss rate and length of the desiccation phase also depended on RH. These data support the hypothesis that low permeability embryonic compartment surface membranes retard water loss significantly and promote prolonged survival of these embryos during desiccation. We also show this mechanism cannot completely account for the survival of severely desiccated embryos (especially in 23% RH) and that there must also be complementary cellular responses. J. Exp. Zool. 319A:179–201, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Investigative Decision Making: Missing People and Sexual Offences, Crossroads to an Uncertain Future
Authors: Alys L. , Massey K. , Tong S.
Published: February 2013

In recent years, detective competence and particularly investigative decision making have been subject to serious criticism and a number of high‐profile reviews. Concerns around investigative competence do not just focus around decisions made on the ground but police attitudes to certain crimes. This paper examines police decision making in the context of missing people and sexual violence and identifies challenges in the development of investigative competence in the context of police budget cuts and substantial reform. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The State of Leadership Studies
Authors: Perruci Gama , McManus Robert M.
Published: February 2013

This article begins a symposium in the Journal of Leadership Studies on the subject of a formal review process for academic programs in leadership studies. The authors argue that such a process would be a way for the field to achieve more legitimacy in higher education, establish itself as a discipline, and delineate parameters of its intellectual distinctiveness. In so doing, the authors present a brief history of the development of leadership studies literature, a central question to theory building and program development, and common goals pursued by academic programs in leadership studies. Finally, the authors call for the development of standards that can help leadership programs expand their curricular and cocurricular initiatives to reflect the intellectual maturity of the field.
Assessment Adrift: Review of the Current State of Assessment of Academically Based Leadership Education Programs
Authors: Goertzen Brent J.
Published: February 2013

Assessment is a growing priority among the academy and also appears to be of increasing interest among academic‐based leadership education programs. This article offers a brief history of assessment within higher education as well as an overview of the current state of assessment in the context of academic‐based leadership education programs. While there are numerous studies reporting on assignment‐ and course‐level assessment activities, comparatively limited literature addresses program‐level assessment. It is the author's assertion that we must raise the level of conversation within our emerging discipline to identify effective best practices.
Soil microbial diversity, site conditions, shelter forest land, saline water drip‐irrigation, drift desert
Authors: Jin Zhengzhong , Lei Jiaqiang , Li Shengyu , Xu Xinwen
Published: February 2013

Soil microbes in forest land are crucial to soil development in extreme areas. In this study, methods of conventional culture, PLFA and PCR‐DGGE were utilized to analyze soil microbial quantity, fatty acids and microbial DNA segments of soils subjected to different site conditions in the Tarim Desert Highway forest land. The main results were as follows: the soil microbial amount, diversity indexes of fatty acid and DNA segment differed significantly among sites with different conditions (F < F0.05). Specifically, the values were higher in the middle and base of dunes than the top part of dunes and hardened flat sand, but all values for dunes were higher than for drift sand. Bacteria was dominant in the soil microbial community (>84%), followed by actinomycetes and then fungi (<0.05%). Vertical differences in the soil microbial diversity were insignificant at 0–35 cm. Correlation analysis indicated that the forest trees grew better as the soil microbial diversity index increased. Therefore, construction of the Tarim Desert Highway shelter‐forest promoted soil biological development; however, for enhancing sand control efficiency and promoting sand development, we should consider the effects of site condition in the construction and regeneration of shelter‐forest ecological projects.
Favored isolation and rapid identification of the astaxanthin‐producing yeast Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous(Phaffia rhodozyma) from environmental samples
Authors: Tognetti Celia , Moliné Martín , van Broock María , Libkind Diego
Published: February 2013

Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous (Phaffia rhodozyma) yeasts are biotechnologically exploited as a natural source of astaxanthin for aquaculture. Based on results of recent studies, it has become clear that this species possesses a greater genetic variability generating the necessity to uncover it and assess its potential for the astaxanthin industry. However, difficulties for the isolation of the X. dendrorhous hinder extensive environmental surveys which need to be carried out to better understand the habitat, distribution and genetic diversity of this species. We extensively searched for distinctive physiological traits of X. dendrorhours by testing phenotypic properties simultaneously with a panel of common sympatric fungi. As a result we obtained a new and innovative strategy for improving X. dendrorhous recovery rate and identification from environmental samples. This strategy involved the use of trehalose‐based media, and a rapid X. dendrorhous identification method based on the simultaneous spectrophotometric detection of astaxanthin and UV‐absorbing compounds (mycosporines). The proposed procedures proved effective in field trials conducted in natural environments of Patagonia (Argentina) and thus represent an important tool for the discovery of new astaxanthin‐producing strains of X. dendrorhous useful for the aquaculture industry.
Serum cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) in knee osteoarthritis: A novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarker
Authors: Verma Priyanka , Dalal Krishna
Published: February 2013

A case–control study was conducted to estimate the association of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) with knee osteoarthritis (OA) and to examine the potential utility of COMP as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in early knee OA. The COMP levels were estimated in the blood sera of 150 subjects belonging to study group (n = 100) and control one (n = 50). Patients with confirmed clinical isolated knee OA diagnosed through American College of Rheumatology criteria were included and were without any other cause of knee pain. ELISA was used to determine the levels of COMP, interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α). The median (range) serum COMP levels were observed to be 1117.21 ng/ml (125.03–4209.75 ng/ml) in OA patients and 338.62 ng/ml (118–589 ng/ml) in control subjects with p < 0.001. The COMP levels of study group were negatively correlated (correlation factor −0.88) with disease duration and positively correlated with age, BMI, pain score and IL‐1β with correlation factors 0.86, 0.63, 0.76, and 0.79, respectively with p < 0.001. Gender differentiation was found in study group with 52% higher COMP level in males as compared to that of females. There was no significant correlation of COMP levels with radiological grading, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), hemoglobin (Hb), and TNF‐α. The serum COMP levels may be used as a diagnostic OA marker along with prognostic value in determining the patients at risk of rapidly progressing this debilitating joint disease. The serum COMP level remains significantly high in first 3 years of disease duration. © 2013 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31:999–1006, 2013
Population ecology of polar bears in Davis Strait, Canada and Greenland
Authors: Peacock Elizabeth , Taylor Mitchell K. , Laake Jeffrey , Stirling Ian
Published: February 2013

Until recently, the sea ice habitat of polar bears was understood to be variable, but environmental variability was considered to be cyclic or random, rather than progressive. Harvested populations were believed to be at levels where density effects were considered not significant. However, because we now understand that polar bear demography can also be influenced by progressive change in the environment, and some populations have increased to greater densities than historically lower numbers, a broader suite of factors should be considered in demographic studies and management. We analyzed 35 years of capture and harvest data from the polar bear (Ursus maritimus) subpopulation in Davis Strait, including data from a new study (2005–2007), to quantify its current demography. We estimated the population size in 2007 to be 2,158 ± 180 (SE), a likely increase from the 1970s. We detected variation in survival, reproductive rates, and age‐structure of polar bears from geographic sub‐regions. Survival and reproduction of bears in southern Davis Strait was greater than in the north and tied to a concurrent dramatic increase in breeding harp seals (Pagophilus groenlandicus) in Labrador. The most supported survival models contained geographic and temporal variables. Harp seal abundance was significantly related to polar bear survival. Our estimates of declining harvest recovery rate, and increasing total survival, suggest that the rate of harvest declined over time. Low recruitment rates, average adult survival rates, and high population density, in an environment of high prey density, but deteriorating and variable ice conditions, currently characterize the Davis Strait polar bears. Low reproductive rates may reflect negative effects of greater densities or worsening ice conditions. © 2013 The Wildlife Society.
Moose calf mortality in central Ontario, Canada
Authors: Patterson Brent R. , Benson John F. , Middel Kevin R. , Mills Kenneth J. , Silver Andrew , Obbard Martyn E.
Published: February 2013

Although some populations remain stable, moose (Alces alces) density and distribution have been declining in many areas along the southern edge of their North American distribution. During 2006–2009, we deployed 99 vaginal implant transmitters (VITs) in 86 adult female moose in central Ontario, Canada to assist in locating and radiocollaring neonatal moose calves. We monitored radiocollared calves to estimate calf survival and assess the relative importance of specific causes of death. Calves in the western portion of our study area (WMU49) were exposed to a 6‐day general hunting season, whereas calves in the eastern portion of our study area (Algonquin Provincial Park [APP]) were not exposed to hunting. Annual survival for 87 collared calves was greater in the protected area than the harvested area (72.4 ± 6.8% and 55.8 ± 8.3%, respectively) and averaged 63.7 ± 7.1% overall. Predation by wolves (Canissp.) and American black bears (Ursus americanus) was the dominant cause of death but occurred predominately in APP, whereas other natural mortality agents were 4× more common in WMU49. Only 16% of the collared calves in WMU49 were harvested each year despite a high proportion (approx. 50%) of accessible, public land. Most natural mortality occurred prior to the autumn hunting season such that reductions in natural mortality had little potential to compensate for calf harvest. Overall, calf survival in our study area was moderate to high and our findings suggest predator control or further restrictions of calf hunting in this area is not justified. © The Wildlife Society, 2013
Survival of resident and translocated greater sage‐grouse in Strawberry Valley, Utah: A 13‐year study
Authors: Baxter Rick J. , Larsen Randy T. , Flinders Jerran T.
Published: February 2013

Survival of greater sage‐grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) has been well described in large populations across the species range. Very little published information exists, however, on survival rates of translocated sage‐grouse or grouse from a long‐term (>10 yr) study. Our objectives were to estimate seasonal and annual survival rates; assess differences in survival between resident and translocated, adult and yearling, and male and female sage‐grouse; identify environmental and behavioral factors associated with survival; and assess the influence of mammalian predator control on survival rates of radio‐marked sage‐grouse in Strawberry Valley, Utah from 1998 to 2010. We used a 2‐stage model selection approach using Akaike's Information Criterion corrected for sample size (AICc) with known‐fate models in Program MARK to evaluate the influences of seasonal, annual, demographic, and behavioral effects on survival rates of sage‐grouse. We captured and fitted 535 individual sage‐grouse (male and female, resident and translocated) with radio transmitters over a 13‐year period and monitored them weekly. The top model of survival, which accounted for 22% of the AICc weight, included 3 seasons that varied by year where rates were influenced by residency, sex, and whether a female initiated a nest. A group‐level covariate for the number of canids killed each year received some support as this variable improved model fit compared to identical models without it, although confidence intervals around β estimates overlapped zero slightly. All other demographic or environmental variables showed little or no support. Annual estimates of survival for females ranged between 28% and 84% depending on year and translocation source. Survival was consistently highest during the fall–winter months with a mean monthly survival rate of 0.97 (95% CI = 0.96–0.98). The lack of a control site and other potential confounding factors limit the extent of our inference with respect to predator control. Nonetheless, we suggest managers consider enhancing nesting habitat, translocating sage‐grouse, and possibly controlling predators to improve survival rates of sage‐grouse. © The Wildlife Society, 2013
Torque loss in a gearbox lubricated with wind turbine gear oils
Authors: Gonçalves David E. P. , Fernandes Carlos M. C. G. , Martins Ramiro C. , Seabra Jorge H. O.
Published: February 2013

In this study, four different fully formulated ISO VG 320 wind turbine gear oils were select: a mineral oil‐based, a polyalphaolefin‐based, an ester‐based and a polyalkyleneglycol‐based fluids. Their physical properties (viscosity, thermoviscosity, piezoviscosity etc.) were characterised for a wide range of operating temperatures.

A two‐stage multiplying gearbox, with helical gears, was selected to evaluate the influence of the wind turbine gear oil formulation on torque loss with the gearbox operating at low speed (130–230 rpm) and high torque (500–1000 Nm).

The results obtained showed that each wind turbine gear oil formulation generated very different torque losses, evacuated heat flows and operating temperatures, with differences above 20 °C under the most severe operating conditions. A numerical model was developed, simulating all power loss mechanisms inside the gearbox, in particular the churning and friction losses. The coefficients of friction, between gear teeth and between rolling elements and bearing raceways, were calculated for all the tested oils. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microengineered PEG Hydrogels: 3D Scaffolds for Guided Cell Growth
Authors: Schulte Vera A. , Alves Dora F. , Dalton Paul P. , Moeller Martin , Lensen Marga C. , Mela Petra
Published: February 2013

Designing three‐dimensional (3D) scaffolds for selective manipulation of cell growth is of high relevance for applications in regenerative medicine. Especially, scaffolds with oriented morphologies bear high potential to guide the restoration of specific tissues. The fabrication of hydrogel scaffolds that support long‐term survival, proliferation, and unidirectional growth of embedded cells is presented here. Parallel channel structures are introduced into the bulk hydrogels by uniaxial freezing, providing stable, and uniform porosity suitable for cell invasion (pore diameters of 5–15 µm). In vitro assessment of the scaffolds with murine fibroblasts (NIH L929) shows a remarkable unidirectional movement along the channels, with the cells traveling several millimeters through the hydrogel.

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High‐Pressure Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization of n‐Butyl Acrylate
Authors: Wang Yu , Schroeder Hendrik , Morick Joachim , Buback Michael , Matyjaszewski Krzysztof
Published: February 2013

High‐pressure atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of n‐butyl acrylate (BA) is performed in acetonitrile (MeCN) with CuIBr/TPMA [TPMA: tris(2‐pyridylmethyl)‐amine] as the catalyst up to 5 kbar. Increasing either pressure or temperature significantly enhances the rate of polymerization, while retaining control over the polymerization. The polymerizations under high pressure could be efficiently performed with very low levels of Cu catalyst in the absence of any reducing agents. For example, 100 ppm Cu is sufficient to catalyze the polymerization of BA with targeted degree of polymerization (DPT) = 1000. The conversion reached 79% in 3.0 h at 80 °C providing PBA with Mn = 112 000, Mw/Mn = 1.12. Since the initial CuI‐to‐initiator molar ratio is 0.05:1, the molar percentage of terminated chains should remain <5%. For DPT = 10 000 using only 50 ppm Cu catalyst, a polymer with molecular weight Mn = 612 000 (DP = 4800) was obtained at 67% conversion.

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Ratiometric Fluorescent Ion Detection in Water with High Sensitivity via Aggregation‐Mediated Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer Using a Conjugated Polyelectrolyte as an Optical Platform
Authors: Le Van Sang , Kim Boram , Lee Wonho , Jeong Ji‐Eun , Yang Renqiang , Woo Han Young
Published: February 2013

A cationic conjugated polyelectrolyte was designed and synthesized based on poly(fluorene‐co‐phenylene) containing 5 mol% benzothiadiazole (BT) as a low energy trap and 15‐crown‐5 as a recognizing group for potassium ions. A potassium ion can form a sandwich‐type 2:1 Lewis acid‐based complex with 15‐crown‐5, to cause the intermolecular aggregation of polymers. This facilitates inter‐chain fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) to a low‐energy BT segment, resulting in fluorescent signal amplification, even at dilute analyte concentrations. Highly sensitive and selective detection of K+ ions was demonstrated in water. The linear response of ratiometric fluorescent signal as a function of [K+] allows K+ quantification in a range of nanomolar concentrations with a detection limit of ≈0.7 × 10−9 M.

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Failure and size effect for notched and unnotched concrete beams
Authors: Grégoire D. , Rojas‐Solano L.B. , Pijaudier‐Cabot G.
Published: February 2013

Modelling failure in geomaterials, concrete or other quasi‐brittle materials and proper accounting for size effect, geometry and boundary effects are still pending issues. Regularised failure models are capable of describing size effect on specimens with a specific geometry, but extrapolations to other geometries are rare, mostly because experimental data presenting size effect for different geometries and for the same material are lacking. Three‐point bending fracture tests of geometrically similar notched and unnotched specimens are presented. The experimental results are compared with numerical simulations performed with an integral‐type non‐local model. Comparisons illustrate the shortcomings of this classical formulation, which fails to describe size effect over the investigated range of geometries and sizes. Finally, experimental results are also compared with the universal size effect law. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.