bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Herpesviruses Placating the Unwilling Host: Manipulation of the MHC Class II Antigen Presentation Pathway
Authors: Zuo Jianmin , Rowe Martin
Published: August 2012

Lifelong persistent infection by herpesviruses depends on the balance between host immune responses and viral immune evasion. CD4 T cells responding to antigens presented on major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC-II) molecules are known to play an important role in controlling herpesvirus infections. Here we review, with emphasis on human herpesvirus infections, the strategies evolved to evade CD4 T cell immunity. These viruses target multiple points on the MHC class II antigen presentation pathway. The mechanisms include: suppression of CIITA to inhibit the synthesis of MHC class II molecules, diversion or degradation of HLA-DR molecules during membrane transport, and direct targeting of the invariant chain chaperone of HLA-DR.
Strong spin-filtering and spin-valve effects in a molecular V–C60–V contact
Authors: Koleini Mohammad , Brandbyge Mads
Published: August 2012

Motivated by the recent achievements in the manipulation of C60 molecules in STM experiments, we study theoretically the structure and electronic properties of a C60 molecule in an STM tunneljunction with a magnetic tip and magnetic adatom on a Cu(111) surface using first-principles calculations. For the case of a vanadium tip/adatom, we demonstrate how spin coupling between the magnetic V atoms, mediated by the C60, can be observed in the electronic transport, which display a strong spin-filtering effect, allowing mainly majority-spin electrons to pass (>95%). Moreover, we find a significant change in the conductance between parallel and anti-parallel spin polarizations in the junction (86%) which suggests that STM experiments should be able to characterize the magnetism and spin coupling for these systems.
A simple and efficient dual optical signaling chemodosimeter for toxic Hg(II)
Authors: Mashraqui Sabir H , Tripathi Sapna A , Ghorpade Sushil S , Britto Smita R
Published: August 2012

10-Methylthioacridone, designated as acrithion, has been employed as an easily accessible chemodosimeter for the optical targeting of toxic Hg2+ in buffered aqueous DMSO. The Hg2+-mediated desulfurization of the probe is translated into selective dual signaling of Hg2+ by means of color bleaching and fluorescence amplification while several other metal ions, including potentially competing Ag+, Cu2+ and Pb2+, afford no significant interferences even in excess concentrations.
Predictors of Residual Viraemia in Patients on Long-Term Suppressive Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Zheng Lu , Bosch Ronald J , Chan Ellen S , Read Sarah , Kearney Mary , Margolis David M , Mellors John W , Eron Joseph J , Gandhi Rajesh T ,   the AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) A5244 Team, Leavitt Randi , Coffin John , Palmer Sarah , Pettinelli Carla , Martinez Ana , Demeter Lisa M , Jacobson Jeffrey M , D'Aquila Richard , Philpotts Barbara , Donoval Betty A , Levaro Robert
Published: August 2012

Background

HIV-1-infected individuals with plasma RNA<50 copies/ml on antiretroviral therapy (ART) may have residual, low-level viraemia detectable by PCR assays that are able to detect a single copy of viral RNA (single-copy assay [SCA]). The clinical predictors of residual viraemia in patients on long-term suppressive ART are not yet fully understood.

Methods

We evaluated factors associated with residual viraemia in patients on suppressive ART who underwent screening for a raltegravir intensification trial (ACTG A5244). The screened population was HIV-1-infected adults receiving ART for ≥12 months with pre-ART HIV-1 RNA>100,000 copies/ml and on-therapy RNA levels below detection limits of commercial assays for ≥6 months.

Results

Of 103 patients eligible for analysis, the median age was 46 years and the median duration of viral suppression was 4.8 years. 62% had detectable viraemia (>0.2 copies/ml) by SCA (median 0.2 copies/ml, IQR <0.2–1.8). Younger patients had lower HIV-1 RNA levels than older individuals (r=0.27, P=0.005). Patients with virological suppression on ART for 2 years or less had higher residual viraemia than those with suppression for >2 years (median 2.3 versus 0.2 copies/ml; P=0.016).

Conclusions

Among HIV-1-infected patients with pre-ART HIV-1 RNA>100,000 copies/ml, residual viraemia was detectable in the majority (62%) despite many years of suppressive ART. Higher level viraemia was associated with older age and <2 years of virological suppression on ART. These findings should help in the selection of candidates for clinical trials of interventions designed to eliminate residual viraemia.
Ns3 Genetic Variability in HCV Genotype-1B Isolates from Liver Specimens and Blood Samples of Treatment-Naive Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C
Authors: Maimone Sergio , Musolino Cristina , Squadrito Giovanni , Raffa Giuseppina , Pollicino Teresa , Raimondo Giovanni
Published: August 2012

Background

Two distinct inhibitors of the HCV protease have been approved for the treatment of patients infected with HCV genotype-1. These drugs are highly efficient in suppressing HCV replication; however, their use is limited by the emergence of viral mutants resistant to them after a very short time of treatment. By analysing blood samples, it was shown that viral strains resistant to protease inhibitors (PIs) may exist prior to treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of viral variants resistant to PIs in isolates from liver and blood of HCV patients naive to any antiviral therapy.

Methods

Liver and blood HCV genotype-1b isolates from 10 patients with chronic hepatitis were analysed by cloning and sequencing procedures.

Results

The analyses of 10–15 clones from liver isolates of each patient showed that 7/10 cases had single or multiple mutations potentially conferring resistance to PIs. However, the analysis of the corresponding blood samples excluded the presence of these mutations in all cases but one, which had the Q80R mutation in all clones from both liver and plasma samples. No PI-resistant variants were detected in isolates from either liver or plasma samples of three patients.

Conclusions

Naturally occurring HCV variants resistant to PIs are commonly present at the intrahepatic level and this clearly explains their usual, very early emergence under treatment; however, the identification of these variants as circulating viral populations is not unusual in untreated patients.
Le paradigme de l'aide projet fait de la résistance
Authors: Dordain Dominique , Mogenet Luc
Published: August 2012

Des accords de coopération mis en place au lendemain des indépendances jusqu’aux relations récentes de partenariat, l’aide projet occupe une part massive et persistante de l’aide publique au développement (APD), en dépit du délitement de l’aide et de la Déclaration de Paris recommandant le remplacement de l’aide affectée par une aide globalisée et budgétaire. Ce paradigme est analysé en le resituant dans le contexte de l’histoire économique des pays africains dans les premières décennies de l’indépendance. Au-delà de la stratégie des donateurs visant à conserver la maîtrise sur les contenus et les retours d’intérêt, la persistance de l’aide projet tiendrait-elle à son ambivalence, reposant sur un espace partagé, aux côtés de deux sous-ensembles dans lesquels chacun des deux parte-naires installerait ses propres finalités ?
L'Afrique à l'identité sans passé d'Alain Mabanckou
Authors: Devésa Jean-Michel
Published: August 2012

La représentation de l’Afrique chez Alain Mabanckou ne résulte pas, comme chez ses aînés, des contradictions inhérentes au fait d’être entre deux mondes et deux cultures. Indépendamment des intentions affichées, l’image du continent noir renvoie, dans ses romans, à un ensemble de clichés et de stéréotypes, en partie forgés de « l’extérieur », qui dessine une Afrique d’un présent immédiat et de la prétérition, parce que son image a été « retravaillée » par l’usage « à blanc » de la langue et des signes propre à la société des écrans et de l’information. Aussi, l’authenticité et l’identité africaines de ces textes ne sont-elles pas seulement un effet de l’écriture mais le produit d’un discours qui performe les signifiants de manière qu’ils soient d’abord reçus comme l’exacte expression des réalités politiques, sociales, culturelles et humaines évoquées et ensuite aisément validés par les médias et le marché du livre.
Egg hatch of forest tent caterpillar (Lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae) on two preferred host species
Authors: Gray David R. , Ostaff Don P.
Published: August 2012

Synchrony between herbivore and host phenology can be an important factor in herbivore fitness. The survival of first-instar forest tent caterpillar (FTC) (Malacosoma disstria Hübner; Lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae) larvae and performance of surviving larvae are reduced when egg hatch and host budbreak are asynchronous. Budbreak in trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides Michaux; Salicaceae) and largetooth aspen (Populus grandidentata Michaux; Salicaceae), two preferred hosts of FTC, differ by ∼14 days. We examined the phenological requirements of FTC egg hatch to see if an inherent difference exists between FTC egg masses on the two hosts, and if the difference would promote synchrony with each host. Egg masses from a haphazard selection of clones of each host were collected in a mixed stand of trembling and largetooth aspen in New Brunswick, Canada. Egg masses were subjected to controlled temperature regimes in the laboratory, and hatch was monitored daily. Despite the differences in host phenologies and the obvious benefits of being synchronised with host phenology, egg masses collected from trembling aspen began hatching only 3 days earlier, and completed hatching only 2 days earlier, than egg masses collected from largetooth aspen. Bet hedging is discussed as a possible strategy to explain the absence of host-specific synchrony between egg hatch of FTC and the hosts it selects for oviposition.
Monotone Hurwitz Numbers in Genus Zero
Authors: Goulden I. P. , Guay-Paquet Mathieu , Novak Jonathan
Published: August 2012

Hurwitz numbers count branched covers of the Riemann sphere with specified ramification data, or equivalently, transitive permutation factorizations in the symmetric group with specified cycle types. Monotone Hurwitz numbers count a restricted subset of these branched covers related to the expansion of complete symmetric functions in the Jucys–Murphy elements, and have arisen in recent work on the the asymptotic expansion of the Harish-Chandra–Itzykson–Zuber integral. In this paper we begin a detailed study of monotone Hurwitz numbers. We prove two results that are reminiscent of those for classical Hurwitz numbers. The first is the monotone join-cut equation, a partial differential equation with initial conditions that characterizes the generating function for monotone Hurwitz numbers in arbitrary genus. The second is our main result, in which we give an explicit formula for monotone Hurwitz numbers in genus zero.
Regularization of the Kepler Problem on the Three-sphere
Authors: Hu Shengda , Santoprete Manuele
Published: August 2012

In this paper we regularize the Kepler problem on S3in several different ways. First, we perform a Moser-type regularization. Then, we adapt the Ligon–Schaaf regularization to our problem. Finally, we show that the Moser regularization and the Ligon–Schaaf map we obtained can be understood as the composition of the corresponding maps for the Kepler problem in Euclidean space and the gnomonic transformation.
Brightening of the global cloud field by nitric acid and the associated radiative forcing
Authors: Makkonen R. , Romakkaniemi S. , Kokkola H. , Stier P. , Räisänen P. , Rast S. , Feichter J. , Kulmala M. , Laaksonen A.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. Clouds cool Earth's climate by reflecting 20% of the incoming solar energy, while also trapping part of the outgoing radiation. The effect of human activities on clouds is poorly understood, but the present-day anthropogenic cooling via changes of cloud albedo and lifetime could be of the same order as warming from anthropogenic addition in CO2. Soluble trace gases can increase water condensation to particles, possibly leading to activation of smaller aerosols and more numerous cloud droplets. We have studied the effect of nitric acid on the aerosol indirect effect with the global aerosol-climate model ECHAM5.5-HAM2. Including the nitric acid effect in the model increases cloud droplet number concentrations globally by 7%. The nitric acid contribution to the present-day cloud albedo effect was found to be −0.32 W m−2 and to the total indirect effect −0.46 W m−2. The contribution to the cloud albedo effect is shown to increase to −0.37 W m−2 by the year 2100, if considering only the reductions in available cloud condensation nuclei. Overall, the effect of nitric acid can play a large part in aerosol cooling during the following decades with decreasing SO2 emissions and increasing NOx and greenhouse gases.
Composition and evolution of volcanic aerosol from eruptions of Kasatochi, Sarychev and Eyjafjallajökull in 2008–2010 based on CARIBIC observations
Authors: Andersson S. M. , Martinsson B. G. , Friberg J. , Brenninkmeijer C. A. M. , Rauthe-Schöch A. , Hermann M. , van Velthoven P. F. J. , Zahn A.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. Large volcanic eruptions impact significantly on climate and lead to ozone depletion due to injection of particles and gases into the stratosphere where their residence times are long. In this the composition of volcanic aerosol is an important but inadequately studied factor. Samples of volcanically influenced aerosol have been collected following the Kasatochi (Alaska), Sarychev (Russia) and also during the Eyjafjallajökull (Iceland) eruptions in the period 2008–2010. Sampling was conducted by the CARIBIC platform during regular flights at an altitude of 10–12 km as well as during dedicated flights through the volcanic clouds from the eruption of Eyjafjallajökull in spring 2010. Elemental concentrations of the collected aerosol were obtained by accelerator-based analysis. Aerosol from the Eyjafjallajökull volcanic clouds was identified by high concentrations of sulfur and elements pointing to crustal origin, and confirmed by trajectory analysis. Signatures of volcanic influence were also used to detect volcanic aerosol in stratospheric samples collected following the Sarychev and Kasatochi eruptions. In total it was possible to identify 17 relevant samples collected between 1 and more than 100 days following the eruptions studied. The volcanic aerosol mainly consisted of ash, sulfate and included a carbonaceous component. Samples collected in the volcanic cloud from Eyjafjallajökull were dominated by the ash and sulfate component (~45% each) while samples collected in the tropopause region and LMS mainly consisted of sulfate (50–77%) and carbon (21–43%). These fractions were increasing/decreasing with the age of the aerosol. Because of the long observation period, it was possible to analyze the evolution of the relationship between the ash and sulfate components of the volcanic aerosol. From this analysis the residence time (1/e) of sulfur dioxide in the studied volcanic cloud was estimated to be 45 days.
Food quality determines sediment community responses to marine vs. terrigenous organic matter in a submarine canyon
Authors: Hunter W. R. , Jamieson A. , Huvenne V. A. I. , Witte U.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. The Whittard canyon is a branching submarine canyon on the Celtic continental margin, which may act as a conduit for sediment and organic matter (OM) transport from the European continental slope to the abyssal sea floor. In situ stable-isotope labelling experiments were conducted in the eastern and western branches of the Whittard canyon testing short term (3–7 day) responses of sediment communities to deposition of nitrogen-rich marine (Thallassiosira weissflogii) and nitrogen-poor terrigenous (Triticum aestivum) phytodetritus. 13C and 15N labels were traced into faunal biomass and bulk sediments, and the 13C label traced into bacterial polar lipid fatty acids (PLFAs). Isotopic labels penetrated to 5 cm sediment depth, with no differences between stations or experimental treatments (substrate or time). Macrofaunal assemblage structure differed between the eastern and western canyon branches. Following deposition of marine phytodetritus, no changes in macrofaunal feeding activity were observed between the eastern and western branches, with little change between 3 and 7 days. Macrofaunal C and N uptake was substantially lower following deposition of terrigenous phytodetritus with feeding activity governed by a strong N demand. Bacterial C uptake was greatest, in the western branch of the Whittard canyon, but feeding activity decreased between 3 and 7 days. Bacterial processing of marine and terrigenous OM were similar to the macrofauna in surficial (0–1 cm) sediments. However, in deeper sediments bacteria utilised greater proportions of terrigenous OM. Bacterial biomass decreased following phytodetritus deposition and was negatively correlated to macrofaunal feeding activity. Consequently, this study suggests that macrofaunal-bacterial interactions influence benthic C cycling in the Whittard canyon, resulting in differential fates for marine and terrigenous OM.
Islamic Humanism vs. Islamism: Cross-Civilizational Bridging
Authors: Tibi Bassam
Published: August 2012

Some prominent discussions of contemporary Islam focus on the tradition of Shari'a reasoning. This is not without reason. Not only is this tradition important in understanding militancy; it has re-emerged in connection with the Arab Spring. The present article, however, seeks to revive an alternative tradition—namely, Islamic humanism. The importance of distinguishing this alternative is not only a matter of clarifying the intellectual heritage of Islam. Reviving Islamic humanism has social-political consequences. It makes possible a view of the modern state that is more democratic and pluralistic than the Shari'a state envisioned by Islamists.
MANEJO DE MOSCA BLANCA (Bemisia tabaci Gennadius.) Y GEMINIVIRUS EN SEMILLEROS DE TOMATE (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill.) BAJO PROTECCIÓN FÍSICA Y QUÍMICA Y SU EFECTO EN LA PRODUCCIÓN
Authors: Jiménez-Martínez Edgardo , Chavarría Allan , Rizo Álvaro
Published: August 2012

La mosca blanca (Bemisia tabaci Gennadium) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) es la principal plaga que afecta al tomate (Lycopersicum esculemtum Mill.) cultivado en el municipio de Tisma, Masaya. Este insecto transmite geminivirus al tomate y provoca severos daños al cultivo, reduciendo los rendimientos y aumentando los costos de producción. Con el objetivo de evaluar alternativas de protección físicas y químicas contra el ataque de este complejo mosca blanca–Geminivirus se realizó un estudio en semilleros de tomate en el municipio de Tisma, Masaya, en el período entre Noviembre del 2007 a Enero del 2008. Los tratamientos que se compararon fueron: Semillero de tomate sembrado en era y protegido con malla antivirus (Microtúnel), semillero de tomate sembrado en bandejas protegido con un microinvernadero, semillero de tomate sembrado en era al aire libre protegido con gauchoconfidor, semillero de tomate sembrado en era al aire libre protegido con aceite de Neem y semillero de tomate sembrado en era al aire libre y sin ningún tratamiento (Testigo). Las variables evaluadas fueron: número de adultos de mosca blanca por planta, porcentaje de incidencia y severidad de virosis y rendimiento en kg/ha, los muestreos se realizaron semanalmente. De acuerdo a los resultados obtenidos en este estudio, las plantas de tomate que fueron protegidas en etapa de semilleros con microtúnel y microinvernadero presentaron los menores porcentajes de incidencia y severidad de virosis, seguidos por los tratamientos gaucho-confidor y Neem. De la misma manera los tratamientos microtúnel y microinvernadero resultaron con los mejores rendimientos por hectárea, la mejor tasa de retorno marginal y mejores beneficios netos por hectárea. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/calera.v11i17.772 La Calera Vol.11 No.17, p.05-13
Application of Different Analytical Techniques and Microbiological Assays for the Analysis of Macrolide Antibiotics from Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms and Biological Matrices
Authors: Bekele Lantider Kassaye , Gebeyehu Getachew Genete
Published: August 2012

Macrolides are a group of drugs whose activity stems from the presence of a macrolide ring, a large macrocyclic lactone ring to which one or more deoxy sugars may be attached. They are produced by Streptomyces species and used primarily against gram-positive bacteria. The determination of antibiotics, including macrolides, is mainly carried out by microbiological assays. However, microbiological assays tended to lack specificity. And hence to overcome this problem, lots of chemical and instrumental methods have been developed to determine macrolides separately as well as simultaneously. Different chromatographic, spectrophotometric, and electrochemical methods used for the determination of macrolides have been reviewed in this paper.
Synthesis and Optoelectronic Characterization of Some Star-Shaped Oligomers with Benzene and Triphenylamine Cores
Authors: Ivan Teofilia , Vacareanu Loredana , Grigoras Mircea
Published: August 2012

Six star-shaped oligomers containing triphenylamine (D1–D3) and benzene unit (D4–D6) as cores have been synthesized by Wittig condensation or Heck coupling reaction using aromatic aldehydes and triphenylphosphonium salts or aromatic halogenated compounds with vinyl triphenylamine. All oligomers have well-defined molecular structure and high purity. Characterization of the oligomers was made by FT-IR, 1H-NMR spectroscopy, UV-Vis, and fluorescence spectroscopy. The electrochemical behavior was studied by cyclic voltammetry (CV). The cyclic voltammograms have revealed that oligomers undergo quasireversible or irreversible redox processes. The irreversible process is associated with electrochemical polymerization of oligomers by dimerization of unsubstituted triphenylamine groups. Thermal characterization was accomplished by TGA and DSC methods and evidenced that all oligomers were stable materials until 250°C and have formed stable molecular glasses after first heating scan.
Paul Ricoeur : des poèmes aux récits et des récits aux poèmes
Authors: Watteyne Nathalie
Published: August 2012

Attentif aux avancées de la psychanalyse comme de l’analyse des discours et des récits, Paul Ricoeur n’a cessé de dégager, à travers ses études, des types de discordance dans le monde, et des formes de concordance ou de mises en ordre narratives et discursives susceptibles de créer une reprise du sens et une déprise du moi pour le lecteur et pour l’interprète d’une tradition littéraire donnée. Après avoir fait état d’un « double sens » des symboles (1965) et d’un « conflit des interprétations » (1969) en littérature, Ricoeur valorise les objets culturels par un questionnement sur le phénomène de l’innovation sémantique. Ce questionnement, engagé dans La métaphore vive (1975) et relancé dans Temps et récit (1983-1985), sera poursuivi jusqu’à sa mort. De la nouvelle pertinence sémantique créée par la parole vive à la mise en intrigue de l’action, Ricoeur cherche à replacer poèmes et récits dans la perspective de l’agir humain. Le hasard d’une naissance se transforme en destin et le moi narcissique fait place au soi réflexif par le détour des signes et par la médiation de la lecture envisagée comme herméneutique. En postulant que Ricoeur affermit la position du lecteur individuel puis celle des communautés de lecteurs dans ses ouvrages parus entre 1983 et 2010, nous voulons dégager les moyens langagiers grâce auxquels les oeuvres innovent et parviennent à exercer une fonction concomitante de refiguration du monde et de redécouverte de soi chez des « communautés qui s’interprètent elles-mêmes en interprétant le texte ».
Joseph Joubert contre les romans
Authors: Beaulieu Étienne
Published: August 2012

Joseph Joubert (1754-1824) est-il écrivain ou philosophe, l’usage hésite encore sur les termes. Sa maison de Villeneuve-sur-Yonne porte l’inscription « philosophe », tout comme les dictionnaires, mais il ne fait partie d’aucun corpus philosophique et est publié dans une collection littéraire. Mais il n’est pas non plus « littéraire » au sens courant du terme, puisqu’il a été tenté un moment par la forme narrative, puis l’a rejetée violemment pour s’enfermer dans la réclusion de ses Carnets, rédigés pour lui seul dans le silence romanesque grâce auquel il invente malgré lui le genre très moderne de la prose fragmentaire. À l’aube de la modernité littéraire, l’oeuvre étrange de Joseph Joubert s’invente au croisement de la philosophie et de la littérature, refusant de raconter, mais racontant ce refus de manière fragmentaire dans un but d’édification philosophique, empruntant à sa façon le chemin platonicien d’abandon de la fable.
Uma lógica demográfica elástica: o abolicionismo britânico e a plantation escravista no Brasil (1789-1850)
Authors: Florentino Manolo
Published: August 2012

This paper analyzes the demographic responses of the large slaver land holders of Rio de Janeiro, to the British pressure to end slavery in the Atlantic Ocean. It places special emphasis on the decades of 1810 and 1820, although it covers a longer period in lesser detail. The article questions the idea, widely disseminated in Brazilian historiography, that the internal slave trade in Brazil was enough to respond to the demands of growing slaver plantations and, therefore, that the natural positive growth of the slave population and of slavery were incompatible variables in colonial and imperial Brazil.
Numeric simulation of fishing effort and strategies (stochastic and cartesian) using cellular automata
Authors: Dreyfus-León MJ , Martínez-Olvera R , Hernández-Walls R
Published: August 2012

A cellular automaton (CA) model is developed to analyze the behavior of fishermen in terms of belonging to a group that exchanges information on fishing and the personal aspect of decision making, defining the fishermen as cartesian or stochastic. This model aims to be the generic structure for a subsequent specific model suitable for a real fishery, and shows how the previously described behavior can be represented in a CA. The results show that, in a simulated world, positive effects are observed in terms of capture or rate of capture, the grouping, and the stochastic behavior in the event of resource scarcity. Also shown is how the behavior of including an explorer has the potential of generating benefits, as well as being risky. If the fishing is good, an independent boat benefits more than the group explorer when sharing this information with the other members of the group (cooperation-competition effect); however, in an adverse situation, the group explorer is not as affected as the independent boat.
Distribution and home range of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) off Veracruz, Mexico
Authors: Martínez-Serrano I , Serrano A , Heckel G , Schramm Y
Published: August 2012

With the goal of gathering ecological data to develop future cetacean management and conservation plans, the distribution, home range, and residency of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) were studied in the central-north Mexican Gulf of Mexico. Between July 2005 and June 2008, 59 boat surveys were carried out for a total of 313 h of effort at sea. During these surveys, 471 individuals were observed in 88 different groups. Photographs of naturally marked animals resulted in 275 different individuals photo-identified. Their distribution was homogeneous throughout the study area at a mean distance from the coast of 2.5 km (SD = 2.9, n = 471) and depths less than 20 m. Of the total of dolphins identified, 202 (73%) had a low sighting rate and were considered transients, whereas 34 individuals (12%) had medium and high sighting rates and were considered resident animals. At the population level, home range estimates calculated using the minimum convex polygon method showed a mean of 2771 ± 1116 km2. Using the adaptive kernel method, the mean size of home range was 1199 ± 143 km2, with five core areas identified. These areas decreased in size during the rainy season because dolphins remained close to the river plumes. At individual level, the mean home range was 129.2 km2 (n = 66), concurring with other reports from the Gulf of Mexico (Texas and Florida) in spite of habitat differences. The main component determining the size of the home range was the presence of rivers, rather than the geomorphology of the coast.
Effect of thermal stress on survival and delay of metamorphosis in larvae of the purple sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus
Authors: Díaz-Pérez L , Carpizo-Ituarte E
Published: August 2012

The effect of thermal stress (heat shock) on survival was evaluated for advanced larval stages and the possible effect on delay of metamorphosis in competent larvae was also evaluated in the purple sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus under laboratory conditions. Eight-arm precompetent and competent larvae were kept at 15, 19, 23, 28, and 31 ºC during 24 h to estimate their thermal tolerance and measure their survival in each treatment. Delay of metamorphosis was evaluated in competent larvae exposed to heat shock treatments of 15, 20, 24, 28, and 32 ºC for 30 min. After this, larvae were induced to metamorphose in the presence of biofilms and KCl. Our results indicated that the thermal tolerance limit for precompetent and competent larvae was 27 ºC; temperatures equal or above this value are lethal for both stages of development, where we observed 100% mortality in a period of 24 h for the treatment at 27 ºC and of 2 h at 31 ºC. Competent larvae subjected to a heat shock treatment of 28 ºC for 30 min delayed the onset of metamorphosis (<40%) and showed high percentage of larvae with incomplete metamorphosis (55%). These results indicate the sensitivity of late larval stages to temperatures above 27 ºC for short periods of time, and that this sensitivity may compromise the onset of metamorphosis. This could have some effect on the settlement and recruitment patterns of the purple sea urchin, particularly in intertidal sites exposed to high temperatures during the summer.
Filtration Performance of Membranes Produced Using Nanoscale Alumina Fibers (NAF)
Authors: Su Veronica , Terehov Michael , Clyne Bill
Published: August 2012

This paper outlines a procedure for producing membrane materials, using a novel alumina fiber with a diameter of the order of 10 nm and a range of processing conditions. The as‐received fibers had very high aspect ratios and were supplied in the form of mats in which they were unidirectionally aligned. Membranes have been produced by dispersing the fibers in a liquid, together with a binding agent, followed by sedimentation. During dispersion, the fibers tended to break up and become detached from each other. Depending on the period of dispersion, the fiber architecture in the membranes could range from a “duplex” structure containing bundles of locally aligned fibers to a more homogeneous assembly of relatively short fibers. Some samples exhibited a stratified structure, with a homogeneous layer below and a duplex structure above. Correlations have been established between these architectures and transport properties relevant to use of these membranes as fine scale filters. Measurements have been made of the specific permeability, using water as the permeating fluid. The results are consistent with predictions based on the Carmen–Kozeny equation. The filtration efficiencies of the membranes have also been assessed, using two dyes with different molecular weights. This performance was found to be consistent with filtration taking place primarily by simple mechanical entrapment of the dye molecules. Relevant mechanical properties of the membranes have also been measured, notably the stiffness (Young's modulus) and the tensile strength. These results are briefly considered in terms of implications for the durability of the membranes as filters. It is concluded that these membranes, perhaps particularly those with duplex or layered structures, offer considerable promise as ultra‐fine scale filters.
Photochromic Materials: More Than Meets The Eye
Authors: Zhang Junji , Zou Qi , Tian He
Published: August 2012

Photochromic materials are a family of compounds which can undergo reversible photo‐switches between two different states or isomers with remarkably different properties. Inspired by their smart photo‐switchable characteristics, a variety of light‐driven functional materials have been exploited, such as ultrahigh‐density optical data storage, molecular switches, logic gates, molecular wires, optic/electronic devices, sensors, bio‐imaging and so on. This review commences with a brief description of exciting progress in this field, from systems in solution to modified functional surfaces. Further development of these photo‐switchable systems into practical applications as well as existing challenges are also discussed and put in prospect.
Palladium on Carbon‐Catalyzed Cross‐Coupling using Triarylbismuths
Authors: Monguchi Yasunari , Hattori Tomohiro , Miyamoto Yasuhiro , Yanase Takayoshi , Sawama Yoshinari , Sajiki Hironao
Published: August 2012

Simple and efficient protocols for the 10% palladium on carbon (Pd/C)‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reactions between triarylbismuths and aryl halides have been developed. A variety of iodo‐ and bromobenzenes possessing an electron‐withdrawing group on the aromatic nucleus were smoothly cross‐coupled in the presence of 10% Pd/C, sodium phosphate dodecahydrate (Na3PO4⋅12 H2O) and 1,4‐diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO) in heated N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone (NMP) as the solvent. For the arylations of iodobenzenes, the reactions effectively proceeded under the combined use of caesium fluoride (CsF) and 2,2′‐biquinoline. Furthermore, a ligand‐free 10% Pd/C‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reaction between the aryl iodides and triarylbismuths was also established by the addition of tetra‐n‐buthylammonium fluoride trihydrate (TBAF⋅3 H2O) in which the palladium metals were hardly leached from the catalyst into the reaction media.
Rhodium‐Catalyzed Enantioselective Conjugate Addition of Arylboronic Acids to Dihydronitronaphthalenes
Authors: Hajra Saumen , Ghosh Rajib , Chakrabarti Sagar , Ghosh Amit , Dutta Swarup , Dey Tushar K. , Malhotra Rajesh , Asijaa Sonika , Roy Subho , Dutta Shantanu , Basu Sourav
Published: August 2012

A highly enantioselective (up to 91%ee) rhodium‐catalyzed asymmetric addition of arylboronic acids has been achieved leading to the challenging dihydro‐3‐nitronaphthalenes using one equivalent of phosphoramidite ligand to rhodium catalyst. A concise formal asymmetric synthesis of the dopamine D1 agonist, dihydrexidine was accomplished using the method.
Gold(I)‐Catalyzed Regio‐ and Stereoselective 1,3‐Dipolar Cycloaddition Reactions of 1‐(1‐Alkynyl)cyclopropyl Oximes with Nitrones: A Modular Entry to Highly Substituted Pyrrolo[3,4‐d][1,2]oxazepines
Authors: Zhang Yanqing , Zhang Junliang
Published: August 2012

An efficient approach for the synthesis of highly substituted pyrrolo[3,4‐d][1,2]oxazepines has been achieved by gold(I)‐catalyzed 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition reactions of 1‐(1‐alkynyl)cyclopropyl oximes with nitrones in good to excellent yields as a single diastereomer. A complete chirality transfer was observed in this transformation.
A New Flow Methodology for the Expedient Synthesis of Drug‐Like 3‐Aminoindolizines
Authors: Lange Paul P. , Bogdan Andrew R. , James Keith
Published: August 2012

A flow‐based synthesis of diversely functionalized indolizines and their aza‐analogues is described. These drug‐like heterocycles were generated via a tandem Sonogashira/cycloisomerization sequence, starting from widely available 2‐bromopyridines and alkynes, employing a simple catalyst system together with 1,8‐diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec‐7‐ene (DBU) as base. The use of flow technology allows a straightforward and rapid access to a variety of novel compounds, and enables linear scale‐up from milligram‐ to gram‐scales without a decrease in yield.
Ruthenium Nanoparticle‐Catalyzed, Controlled and Chemoselective Hydrogenation of Nitroarenes using Ethanol as a Hydrogen Source
Authors: Kim Ju Hyun , Park Ji Hoon , Chung Young Keun , Park Kang Hyun
Published: August 2012

This communication describes a ruthenium nanoparticle‐catalyzed reduction of nitroarenes giving azoxyarenes, azoarenes, or anilines in good to excellent yields using ethanol as a hydrogen source.
Ruthenium Pincer‐Catalyzed Cross‐Dehydrogenative Coupling of Primary Alcohols with Secondary Alcohols under Neutral Conditions
Authors: Srimani Dipankar , Balaraman Ekambaram , Gnanaprakasam Boopathy , Ben‐David Yehoshoa , Milstein David
Published: August 2012

Cross‐dehydrogenative coupling of primary alcohols with secondary alcohols to obtain mixed esters with the liberation of molecular hydrogen is achieved in high yield and good selectivity under neutral conditions, using a bipyridyl‐based PNN ruthenium(II) pincer catalyst.
Genome‐wide association analysis of eating disorder‐related symptoms, behaviors, and personality traits
Authors: Boraska Vesna , Davis Oliver S.P. , Cherkas Lynn F. , Helder Sietske G. , Harris Juliette , Krug Isabel , Pei‐Chi Liao Thomas , Treasure Janet , Ntalla Ioanna , Karhunen Leila , Keski‐Rahkonen Anna , Christakopoulou Danai , Raevuori Anu , Shin So‐Youn , Dedoussis George V. , Kaprio Jaakko , Soranzo Nicole , Spector Tim D. , Collier David A. , Zeggini Eleftheria
Published: August 2012

Eating disorders (EDs) are common, complex psychiatric disorders thought to be caused by both genetic and environmental factors. They share many symptoms, behaviors, and personality traits, which may have overlapping heritability. The aim of the present study is to perform a genome‐wide association scan (GWAS) of six ED phenotypes comprising three symptom traits from the Eating Disorders Inventory 2 [Drive for Thinness (DT), Body Dissatisfaction (BD), and Bulimia], Weight Fluctuation symptom, Breakfast Skipping behavior and Childhood Obsessive‐Compulsive Personality Disorder trait (CHIRP). Investigated traits were derived from standardized self‐report questionnaires completed by the TwinsUK population‐based cohort. We tested 283,744 directly typed SNPs across six phenotypes of interest in the TwinsUK discovery dataset and followed‐up signals from various strata using a two‐stage replication strategy in two independent cohorts of European ancestry. We meta‐analyzed a total of 2,698 individuals for DT, 2,680 for BD, 2,789 (821 cases/1,968 controls) for Bulimia, 1,360 (633 cases/727 controls) for Childhood Obsessive‐Compulsive Personality Disorder trait, 2,773 (761 cases/2,012 controls) for Breakfast Skipping, and 2,967 (798 cases/2,169 controls) for Weight Fluctuation symptom. In this GWAS analysis of six ED‐related phenotypes, we detected association of eight genetic variants with P < 10−5. Genetic variants that showed suggestive evidence of association were previously associated with several psychiatric disorders and ED‐related phenotypes. Our study indicates that larger‐scale collaborative studies will be needed to achieve the necessary power to detect loci underlying ED‐related traits. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Association of genetic variations in DTNBP1 with cognitive function in schizophrenia patients and healthy subjects
Authors: Baek Ji Hyun , Kim Ji Sun , Ryu Seunghyong , Oh Sohee , Noh Jihae , Lee Woo Kyeong , Park Taesung , Lee Yu‐Sang , Lee Dongsoo , Kwon Jun Soo , Hong Kyung Sue
Published: August 2012

The dystrobrevin‐binding protein 1 gene (DTNBP1) has been regarded as a susceptibility gene for schizophrenia. Recent studies have investigated its role on cognitive function that is frequently impaired in schizophrenia patients, and generated inconsistent results. The present study was performed to elucidate effects of genetic variations in DTNBP1 on various cognitive domains in both schizophrenia patients and healthy subjects. Comprehensive neuropsychological tests were administered to 122 clinically stable schizophrenia patients and 119 healthy subjects. Based on positive findings reported in previous association studies, six SNPs were selected and genotyped. Compared to healthy subjects, schizophrenia patients showed expected lower performance for all of the cognitive domains. After adjusting for age, gender, and educational level, four SNPs showed a nominally significant association with cognitive domains. The association of rs760761 and rs1018381 with the attention and vigilance domain remained significant after applying the correction for multiple testing (P < 0.001). Similar association patterns were observed both, in patients and healthy subjects. The observed results suggest the involvement of DTNBP1 not only in the development of attention deficit of schizophrenia, but also in the inter‐individual variability of this cognitive domain within the normal functional range. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Forest Structure and Support Availability Influence Orangutan Locomotion in Sumatra and Borneo
Authors: MANDUELL KIRSTEN L. , HARRISON MARK E. , THORPE SUSANNAH K. S.
Published: August 2012

The influence of habitat structure and support availability on support use is an important aspect of understanding locomotor behavior in arboreal primates. We compared habitat structure and support availability in three orangutan study sites—two on Sumatra (Pongo abelii) in the dry‐lowland forest of Ketambe and peat swamp forest of Suaq Balimbing, and one on Borneo (Pongo pygmaeus wurmbii) in the disturbed peat swamp forest of Sabangau—to better understand orangutan habitat use. Our analysis revealed vast differences in tree and liana density between the three sites. Sabangau had a much higher overall tree density, although both Sumatran sites had a higher density of larger trees. The two peat swamp forests were more similar to each other than to Ketambe, particularly with regard to support availability. Ketambe had a wider variety of supports of different sizes and types, and a higher density of larger lianas than the two peat swamps. Orangutans in all three sites did not differ substantially in terms of their preferred supports, although Sumatran orangutans had a strong tendency to use lianas, not observed in Sabangau. Differences in observed frequencies of locomotor behavior suggest the homogeneous structure of Sabangau limits the locomotor repertoire of orangutans, with high frequencies of fewer behaviors, whereas the wider range of supports in Ketambe appears to have facilitated a more varied locomotor repertoire. There were no differences among age‐sex classes in the use of arboreal pathways in Suaq Balimbing, where orangutans selected larger trees than were typically available. This was less apparent in Sabangau, where orangutans generally used trees in relation to their environmental abundance, reflecting the homogeneous nature of disturbed peat swamp forest. These results demonstrate that forest architecture has an important influence on orangutan locomotion, which may become increasingly important as the structure of orangutan habitat continues to be altered through human disturbance. Am. J. Primatol. 74:1128‐1142, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Application of Vegetation Indices for the Prospection of Archaeological Features in Grass‐dominated Environments
Authors: Bennett Rebecca , Welham Kate , Hill Ross A. , Ford Andrew L. J.
Published: August 2012

The identification of archaeological remains via the capture of localized soil and vegetation change in aerial imagery is a widely used technique for the prospection of new features. The near infrared (NIR) region has been shown by environmental applications to exhibit the signs of vigour and stress better than reflectance in the visible region, and this has led to interest in the application of digital spectral data for archaeological prospection. In this study we assess quantitatively the application of 12 common vegetation indices to archive Compact Airborne Spectrographic Imager digital spectral data acquisitions from January and May 2001 in a grassland environment. The indices are compared with the true colour composite (TCC), best performing spectral band (711.2 ± 4.9 nm NIR) and the transcription of the aerial photographic archive. The results of the study illustrate that the calculation of a number of vegetation indices can assist with the identification of archaeological features in spectral data. However, the performance of the indices varies by season and although the features detected are shown to be complementary to those detected by the TCC, few indices out‐perform the TCC in terms of feature numbers identified. It was also shown that the Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), the most commonly applied index in archaeological prospection to date, performed poorly in comparison to indices such as the Modified Red Edge Simple Ratio Index, Simple Ratio Index and Modified Red Edge Normalized Difference Vegetation Index. It is therefore recommended that the application of appropriate vegetation indices can enhance archaeological feature detection when combined with the TCC but that the calculation of the NDVI alone is insufficient to detect additional features. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Self‐packed filter plates: A good alternative for pre‐packed filter plates for developing purification processes for therapeutic proteins
Authors: Li Xiaonan , de Roo Guy , Burgers Kim , Ottens Marcel , Eppink Michel
Published: August 2012

The use of high‐throughput screening (HTS) has been successfully applied over the past years in downstream process development of therapeutic proteins. Different HTS applications have been introduced to speed up the development of purification processes for these proteins. In the light of these findings, studies were conducted to develop a controlled method of pipetting the right amount of resin into self‐packed filter plates. In total, 13 plates were tested for their suitability in an HTS application. Based on these studies, the Seahorse plate was experimentally verified as the best filter plate. Suitable conditions for preparing a self‐packed plate were established so that linear correlations between resin concentration (POROS 50HS) and UV adsorption (420 nm) were obtained. The accuracy of dispensing the slurry into a microtiter plate was controlled within 1% deviation under established conditions. Overall, self‐packed filter plates are equipped to be used in the development of purification processes in HTS mode.
Mechanistic Study of a One‐Step Catalytic Conversion of Fructose to 2,5‐Dimethyltetrahydrofuran
Authors: Grochowski Matthew R. , Yang Weiran , Sen Ayusman
Published: August 2012

Carbohydrates, such as fructose, can be fully dehydroxylated to 2,5‐dimethyltetrahydrofuran (DMTHF), a valuable chemical and potential gasoline substitute, by the use of a dual catalytic system consisting of HI and RhX3 (X=Cl, I). A mechanistic study has been carried out to understand the roles that both acid and metal play in the reaction. HI serves a two‐fold purpose: HI acts as a dehydration agent (loss of 3 H2O) in the initial step of the reaction, and as a reducing agent for the conjugated carbinol group in a subsequent step. I2 is formed in the reduction step and metal‐catalyzed hydrogenation reforms HI. The rhodium catalyst, in addition to catalyzing the reaction of iodine with hydrogen, functions as a hydrogenation catalyst for CO and CC bonds. A general mechanistic scheme for the overall reaction is proposed based on identification of intermediates, independent reactions of the intermediates, and deuterium labeling studies.