bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parallel processing of information about location in the amygdala, entorhinal cortex and hippocampus
Authors: Gaskin Stephane , White Norman M.
Published: August 2013

The conditioned cue preference paradigm was used to study how rats use extra‐maze cues to discriminate between 2 adjacent arms on an 8‐arm radial maze, a situation in which most of the same cues can be seen from both arms but only one arm contains food. Since the food‐restricted rats eat while passively confined on the food‐paired arm no responses are reinforced, so the discrimination is due to Pavlovian stimulus‐reward (or outcome) learning. Consistent with other evidence that rats must move around in an environment to acquire a spatial map, we found that learning the adjacent arms CCP (ACCP) required a minimum amount of active exploration of the maze with no reinforcers present prior to passive pairing of the extra‐maze cues with the food reinforcer, an instance of latent learning. Temporary inactivation of the hippocampus during the pre‐exposure sessions had no effect on ACCP learning, confirming other evidence that the hippocampus is not involved in latent learning. A series of experiments indentified a circuit involving fimbria‐fornix and dorsal entorhinal cortex as the neural basis of latent learning in this situation. In contrast, temporary inactivation of the entorhinal cortex or hippocampus during passive training or during testing blocked ACCP learning and expression, respectively, suggesting that these two structures co‐operate in using spatial information to learn the location of food on the maze during passive pairing and to express this combined information during testing. In parallel with these processes we found that the amygdala processes information leading to an equal tendency to enter both adjacent arms (even though only one was paired with food) suggesting that the stimulus information available to this structure is not sufficiently precise to discriminate between the ambiguous cues visible from the adjacent arms. Expression of the ACCP in normal rats depends on hippocampus‐based learning to avoid the unpaired arm which competes with the amygdala‐based tendency to enter that arm. In contrast, there is cooperation between amygdala‐ and hippocampus‐based tendencies to enter the food‐paired arm. These independent forms of learning contribute to the rat's ability to discriminate among spatial locations using ambiguous extra‐maze cues. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Modulation of multiple memory systems: From neurotransmitters to metabolic substrates
Authors: Gold Paul E. , Newman Lori A. , Scavuzzo Claire J. , Korol Donna L.
Published: August 2013

This article reviews evidence showing that neurochemical modulators can regulate the relative participation of the hippocampus and striatum in learning and memory tasks. For example, relative release of acetylcholine increases in the hippocampus and striatum reflects the relative engagement of these brain systems during learning of place and response tasks. Acetylcholine release is regulated in part by available brain glucose levels, which themselves are dynamically modified during learning. Recent findings suggest that glucose acts through astrocytes to deliver lactate to neurons. Brain glycogen is contained in astrocytes and provides a capacity to deliver energy substrates to neurons when needed, a need that can be generated by training on tasks that target hippocampal and striatal processing mechanisms. These results integrate an increase in blood glucose after epinephrine release from the adrenal medulla with provision of brain energy substrates, including lactate released from astrocytes. Together, the availability of peripheral and central energy substrates regulate the processing of learning and memory within and across multiple neural systems. Dysfunctions of the physiological steps that modulate memory—from hormones to neurotransmitters to metabolic substrates—may contribute importantly to some of the cognitive impairments seen during normal aging and during neurodegenerative diseases. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Energy flux partitioning and evapotranspiration in a sub‐alpine spruce forest ecosystem
Authors: Gaofeng Zhu , Ling Lu , Yonghong Su , Xufeng Wang , Xia Cui , Jinzhu Ma , Jianhua He , Kun Zhang , Changbin Li
Published: August 2013

In this study, we examined the year 2011 characteristics of energy flux partitioning and evapotranspiration of a sub‐alpine spruce forest underlain by permafrost on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (QPT). Energy balance closure on a half‐hourly basis was H + λE = 0.81 × (Rn − G − S) + 3.48 (W m−2) (r2 = 0.83, n = 14938), where H, λE, Rn, G and S are the sensible heat, latent heat, net radiation, soil heat and air‐column heat storage fluxes, respectively. Maximum H was higher than maximum λE, and H dominated the energy budget at midday during the whole year, even in summer time. However, the rainfall events significantly affected energy flux partitioning and evapotranspiration. The mean value of evaporative fraction (Λ = λE/(λE + H)) during the growth period on zero precipitation days and non‐zero precipitation days was 0.40 and 0.61, respectively. The mean daily evapotranspiration of this sub‐alpine forest during summer time was 2.56 mm day−1. The annual evapotranspiration and sublimation was 417 ± 8 mm year−1, which was very similar to the annual precipitation of 428 mm. Sublimation accounted for 7.1% (30 ± 2 mm year−1) of annual evapotranspiration and sublimation, indicating that the sublimation is not negligible in the annual water balance in sub‐alpine forests on the QPT. The low values of the Priestley–Taylor coefficient (α) and the very low value of the decoupling coefficient (Ω) during most of the growing season suggested low soil water content and conservative water loss in this sub‐alpine forest. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydrologic responses to land cover change: the case of Jedeb mesoscale catchment, Abay/Upper Blue Nile basin, Ethiopia
Authors: Tekleab S. , Mohamed Y. , Uhlenbrook S. , Wenninger J.
Published: August 2013

The objective of this study was to quantify the impacts of land use/land cover (LULC) change on the hydrology of the Jedeb, an agricultural dominated mesoscale catchment, in the Abay/Upper Blue Nile basin, Ethiopia.

Two methods have been used. First, the trends of certain daily flow variability parameters were evaluated to detect statistical significance of the change of the hydrologic response. Second, a conceptual monthly hydrological model was used to detect changes in the model parameters over different periods to infer LULC change.

The results from the statistical analysis of the daily flows between 1973 and 2010 reveal a significant change in the response of the catchment. Peak flow is enhanced, i.e. response appears to be flashier. There is a significant increase in the rise and fall rates of the flow hydrograph, as well as the number of low‐flow pulses below a threshold level. The discharge pulses show a declining duration with time.

The model result depicts a change in model parameters over different periods, which could be attributed to an LULC change. The model parameters representing soil moisture conditions indicated a gradual decreasing trend, implying limited storage capacity likely attributed to increasing agricultural farming practices in the catchment. This resulted in more surface runoff and less infiltration into the soil layers. The results of the monthly flow duration curve analysis indicated large changes of the flow regime. The high flow has increased by 45% between the 1990s and 2000s, whereas the reduction in low flows was larger: a 15% decrease between 1970s and 1980s, 39% between 1980s and 1990s and up to 71% between 1990s and 2000s.

These results, could guide informed catchment management practices to reduce surface runoff and augment soil moisture level in the Jedeb catchment. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exomic landscape of MED12 mutation‐negative and ‐positive uterine leiomyomas
Authors: Mäkinen Netta , Vahteristo Pia , Bützow Ralf , Sjöberg Jari , Aaltonen Lauri A.
Published: August 2013

Uterine leiomyomas are extremely common tumors originating from the smooth muscle cells of myometrium. We recently reported recurrent somatic mutations in mediator complex subunit 12 (MED12) in the majority of these lesions, and analyzed chromosomal abnormalities in leiomyomas by whole‐genome sequencing. The aim of our study was to examine in detail uterine leiomyoma exomes, to search for driver mutations in MED12 mutation‐negative leiomyomas and to scrutinize MED12 mutation‐positive leimyomas for additional contributing mutations. We analyzed whole exome sequencing data of 27 uterine leiomyomas (12 MED12 mutation‐negative and 15 MED12 mutation‐positive) and their paired normal myometrium. We searched for genes, which would be recurrently mutated. No such genes were identified in MED12 mutation‐negative uterine leiomyomas. Similarly, MED12 mutation‐positive leiomyomas displayed no additional recurrent changes. The complete lack of novel driver point mutations in the examined series highlights the unique role of MED12 mutations in genesis of uterine leiomyomas, and suggests that these mutations alone may be sufficient for tumor development. Additional factors that cannot be detected by exome sequencing, such as somatic structural rearrangements, epigenetic events and intronic variants, are likely to have a particular impact to the development of MED12 wild‐type lesions.
Seeing Is Believing: Visualizing Transcriptional Dynamics in Single Cells
Authors: Newhart Alyshia , Janicki Susan M.
Published: August 2013

For a gene to be expressed, the functions of multiple molecular machines must be coordinated at the site of transcription. To understand the role of nuclear organization in transcription, it is necessary to visualize the dynamic interactions of regulatory factors with chromatin and RNA. It is currently possible to localize individual transcription sites in single living mammalian cells by engineering reporter gene constructs to include sequence elements which permit the visualization of nucleic acids in vivo. Upon stable integration, these transgenes form chromatinized arrays, which can be imaged during activation to obtain high‐resolution quantitative information about transcriptional dynamics. Modeling can suggest new hypotheses about gene regulation, which can be tested both in the single‐cell imaging system and at endogenous genes. This gene‐specific imaging strategy has the potential to reveal regulatory mechanisms, which would be difficult to imagine outside of single living cells. J. Cell. Physiol. 229: 259–265, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Structural and functional alterations of cellular components as revealed by electron microscopy
Authors: Condello Maria , Caraglia Michele , Castellano MARIA , Arancia Giuseppe , Meschini Stefania
Published: August 2013

Scanning (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) are two fundamental microscopic techniques widely applied in biological research for the study of ultrastructural cell components. With these methods, especially TEM, it is possible to detect and quantify the morphological and ultrastructural parameters of intracellular organelles (mitochondria, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, peroxisomes, endosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, cytoskeleton, nucleus, etc.) in normal and pathological conditions. The study of intracellular vesicle compartmentalization is raising even more interest in the light of the importance of intracellular localization of mediators of the signaling in eliciting different biological responses. The study of the morphology of some intracellular organelles can supply information on the bio‐energetic status of the cells. TEM has also a pivotal role in the determination of different types of programmed cell death. In fact, the visualization of autophagosomes and autophagolysosomes is essential to determine the occurrence of autophagy (and also to discriminate micro‐autophagy from macro‐autophagy), while the presence of fragmented nuclei and surface blebbing is characteristic of apoptosis. SEM is particularly useful for the study of the morphological features of the cells and, therefore, can shed light, for instance, on cell–cell interactions. After a brief introduction on the basic principles of the main electron microscopy methods, the article describes some cell components with the aim to demonstrate the huge role of the ultrastructural analysis played in the knowledge of the relationship between function and structure of the biological objects. Microsc. Res. Tech., 76:1057–1069, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Polar motion excitations for an Earth model with frequency‐dependent responses: 2. Numerical tests of the meteorological excitations
Authors: Chen Wei , Ray Jim , Shen WenBin , Huang ChengLi
Published: August 2013

Polar motion excitation involves mass redistributions and motions of the Earth system relative to the mantle, as well as the frequency‐dependent rheology of the Earth, where the latter has recently been modeled in the form of frequency‐dependent Love numbers and polar motion transfer functions. At seasonal and intraseasonal time scales, polar motions are dominated by angular momentum fluctuations due to mass redistributions and relative motions in the atmosphere, oceans, and continental water, snow, and ice. In this study, we compare the geophysical excitations derived from various global atmospheric, oceanic, and hydrological models (NCEP, ECCO, ERA40, ERAinterim, and ECMWF operational products), and construct two model sets LDC1 and LDC2 by combining the above models with a least difference method. Comparisons between the geodetic excitation (derived from the polar motion series IERS EOP 08 C04) and the geophysical excitations (based on those meteorological models) imply that the atmospheric models are the most reliable while the hydrological ones are the most inaccurate; that the ERAinterim is, in general, the best model set among the original ones, but the combined models LDC1 and LDC2 are much better than ERAinterim; and that applying the frequency‐dependent transfer functions to LDC1 and LDC2 improves their agreements with the geodetic excitation. Thus, we conclude that the combined models LDC1 and LDC2 are reliable, and the frequency‐dependent Love numbers and polar motion transfer functions are well modeled.
Recent estimates of Earth‐atmosphere interaction torques and their use in studying polar motion variability
Authors: Schindelegger M. , Salstein D. , Böhm J.
Published: August 2013

The use of Earth‐atmosphere interaction torques is a potential but generally less addressed alternative to the classical angular momentum approach for modeling variations in Earth rotation. We present an update on this subject for the purpose of explaining seasonal and intraseasonal polar motion variability based on the output of the most recent meteorological reanalysis systems of the ECMWF (European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts) and NASA's Global Modeling and Assimilation Office. The agreement of both models in terms of the three prime torque constituents is shown to be far superior to that of the conventionally deployed wind term of atmospheric angular momentum (AAM). A sufficiently good closure of the equatorial AAM budget equation within the ECMWF reanalysis provides additional endorsement for the use of atmospheric torques as excitation measures. When used as such, polar motion residuals after reduction of the AAM pressure term, as well as oceanic and hydrological excitation, are considerably better modeled by the torque‐based quantities than by the standard wind term of AAM, in particular at intraseasonal periodicities. This finding is obtained by means of a newly proposed, hybrid excitation formalism, which derives the AAM counterparts of torque terms from inversion of the AAM budget equation in the frequency domain.
Volcanic cooling signal in tree ring temperature records for the past millennium
Authors: D'Arrigo Rosanne , Wilson Rob , Anchukaitis Kevin J.
Published: August 2013

Tree rings are an important proxy for understanding the timing and environmental consequences of volcanic eruptions as they are precisely dated at annual resolution and, particularly in tree line regions of the world, sensitive to cold extremes that can result from climatically significant volcanic episodes. Volcanic signals have been detected in ring widths and by the presence of frost‐damaged rings, yet are often most clearly and quantitatively represented within maximum latewood density series. Ring width and density reconstructions provide quantitative information for inferring the variability and sensitivity of the Earth's climate system on local to hemispheric scales. After a century of dendrochronological science, there is no evidence, as recently theorized, that volcanic or other adverse events cause such severely cold conditions near latitudinal tree line that rings might be missing in all trees at a given site in a volcanic year (“stand‐wide” missing rings), resulting in misdating of the chronology. Rather, there is a clear indication of precise dating and development of rings in at least some trees at any given site, even under adverse cold conditions, based on both actual tree ring observations and modeling analyses. The muted evidence for volcanic cooling in large‐scale temperature reconstructions based at least partly on ring widths reflects several factors that are completely unrelated to any misdating. These include biological persistence of such records, as well as varying spatial patterns of response of the climate system to volcanic events, such that regional cooling, particularly for ring widths rather than density, can be masked in the large‐scale reconstruction average.
Diagnostic analysis of interannual variation of global land evapotranspiration over 1982–2011: Assessing the impact of ENSO
Authors: Yan Hao , Yu Qin , Zhu Zai‐Chun , Myneni Ranga B. , Yan Hui‐Min , Wang Shao‐Qiang , Shugart Herman H.
Published: August 2013

Global land evapotranspiration (E) between 1982 and 2011 was estimated by using a canopy conductance‐based process E model (Air Relative Humidity‐Based Two‐Source model) [Yan et al., 2012]. To analyze the impact of precipitation forcing on E, an ensemble of six E data sets was derived from a driving ensemble of six precipitation data sets (i.e., Global Historical Climatology Network, Global Precipitation Climatology Centre, Climate Research Unit, Global Dataset of Meteorological Forcings, Global Precipitation Climatology Project, and Delaware). The result shows that ensemble average E over global land had an annual mean of 64.8 ± 0.8 × 103 km3 yr−1 and a significant linear trend of 4.6 mm per decade (p < 0.01). Significant partial correlations were found between the ensemble average E and its three controlling variables (i.e., precipitation (Pr), vegetation leaf area index (Lai), and potential evaporation (Ep)). These correlations explained 95% of the interannual variation of global land E with Pr as the dominant forcing contributing 37% variation of E; i.e., global land E was slightly sensitive to Pr than Lai and Ep. Pr, Lai, and Ep all showed increases of 8.8 mm (p < 0.01), 0.4 m2 m−2 (p < 0.01), and 2.0 mm (p < 0.1) per decade, respectively, which characterized a favorable environment for the increase of E over past 30 years. Both negative Multivariate El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) Index (MEI) and Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) displayed an increasing trend. The La Niña phase tended to be dominant from 1982 to 2011 and caused a significant increase of land Pr and further enhanced land E. Impacts of ENSO and corresponding Pr variation require attention to increase the understanding of the interannual variation of global land E.
3D morphometry of valley networks on Mars from HRSC/MEX DEMs: Implications for climatic evolution through time
Authors: Ansan V. , Mangold N.
Published: August 2013

Martian valley networks have been identified mainly in the Noachian heavily cratered uplands. Eight dense branching valley networks were studied in Noachian terrains of Huygens, Newcomb and Kepler craters, south Tyrrhena Terra, and Thaumasia, in Hesperian terrains of Echus Plateau and west Eberswalde craters, and in Amazonian terrains of Alba Patera, using images and digital elevation models from the Mars Express High Resolution Stereo Camera to determine 2D and 3D morphometric parameters. Extracted geomorphic parameters show similar geometry to terrestrial valleys: drainage densities, organization from bifurcation ratios and lengths ratios, Hack exponent consistent with terrestrial values of ~0.6, and progressive deepening of valleys with increasing Strahler order. In addition, statistics on valley depths indicate a deeper incision of Noachian valleys compared to younger post‐Noachian valleys (<25 m for Amazonian ones compared to >100 m for Noachian ones), showing a strong difference in fluvial erosion. These characteristics show that dense Martian valley networks formed by overland flows in relation to a global atmospheric water cycle in Noachian epoch and confirm that the later stages of activity may be related to shorter duration of activity, distinct climatic conditions, and/or regional processes, or conditions.
Influence of the IOD on the relationship between El Niño Modoki and the East Asian‐western North Pacific summer monsoon
Authors: Feng Juan , Chen Wen
Published: August 2013

The relationship between El Niño Modoki and the East Asian‐western North Pacific summer monsoon (EA‐WNPSM) has been revealed to be under the influence of Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD). When a pure El Niño Modoki occurs without a positive IOD, a strong EA‐WNPSM is observed with a significant anomalous low‐level cyclone over the western North Pacific (WNP), excessive rainfall there and deficient Meiyu–Baiu rainfall. In contrast, when an El Niño Modoki happens simultaneously with a positive IOD, the anomalous EA‐WNPSM tends to be much weaker. This difference is attributed to a positive IOD effect. The results demonstrate that a positive IOD usually leads to a strong South Asian summer monsoon heating, which further causes easterly anomalies in the western Pacific. These anomalous easterlies tend to strengthen the WNP anticyclonic vorticity leading to a weak EA‐WNPSM. Therefore, a positive IOD weakens the relationship between the El Niño Modoki and the EA‐WNPSM. In addition, numerical experiments verified that the strong low‐level WNP cyclonic anomaly is built through the off‐equatorial heating associated with the local cyclonic circulation. The anomalous WNP anticyclonic vorticity induced by a positive IOD weakens this off‐equatorial heating, thus leading to a weak EA‐WNPSM.
The role of Arabian Sea in the evolution of Indian Ocean Dipole
Authors: Sayantani Ojha , Gnanaseelan C. , Chowdary J. S.
Published: August 2013

An Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) event often evolves without any forcing from the Pacific. This study demonstrates that Arabian Sea spring warming and associated summer barrier layer (BL) play an important role in the evolution of such IODs. We propose an alternate mechanism for IOD initiation. Anomalous Walker circulation over the Indian Ocean during IOD years forced by Arabian Sea warming in spring and summer plays a crucial role in initiating the easterly wind anomalies in the eastern equatorial Indian Ocean. The western warming and the associated convection induce easterly wind anomalies much before the significant eastern cooling during IOD years, which strongly supports the role of western warming in the IOD evolution. IOD years are characterized by anomalous thickening of summer BL over the Arabian Sea. The anomalous BL formation during IOD years is attributed to the anomalous negative Ekman pumping velocity in the Arabian Sea. This negative Ekman pumping velocity forced downwelling deepens isothermal layer depth and thickens the BL. In addition to this, strong precipitation during IOD years strengthened the stratification and supported the BL formation. These favourable conditions for BL formation are absent during El Niño years. Anomalous BL is mainly responsible for the deepening of thermocline and subsurface warming in the Arabian Sea during IOD years.
Fatty acid composition, physicochemical properties, antioxidant and cytotoxic activity of apple seed oil obtained from apple pomace
Authors: Walia Mayanka , Rawat Kiran , Bhushan Shashi , Padwad Yogendra S , Singh Bikram
Published: August 2013

BACKGROUND

Apple pomace is generated in huge quantities in juice‐processing industries the world over and continuous efforts are being made for its inclusive utilization. In this study, apple seeds separated from industrial pomace were used for extraction of oil. The fatty acid composition, physicochemical and antioxidant as well as in vitro anticancer properties of extracted oil were studied to assess its suitability in food and therapeutic applications.

RESULTS

The fatty acid composition of seed oil revealed the dominance of oleic (46.50%) and linoleic acid (43.81%). It had high iodine (121.8 g I 100 g−1) and saponification value (184.91 mg KOH g−1 oil). The acid value, refractive index and relative density were 4.28 mg KOH g−1, 1.47 and 0.97 mg mL−1, respectively. The antioxidant potential (IC50) of apple seed oil was 40.06 µg mL−1. Cytotoxicity of apple seed oil against CHOK1, SiHa and A549 cancer cell lines ranged between 0.5 ± 0.06% and 88.6 ± 0.3%.

CONCLUSION

The physicochemical properties of apple seed oil were comparable with edible food oil, indicating its better stability and broad application in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Apple seed oil could be a good source of natural antioxidants. Also, the in vitro cytotoxic activity against specific cell lines exhibited its potential as an anticancer agent. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Traditional foods for health: screening of the antioxidant capacity and phenolic content of selected Black Sea area local foods
Authors: Danesi Francesca , Pasini Federica , Caboni Maria Fiorenza , D'Antuono Luigi Filippo , Bordoni on behalf of the BaSeFood Consortium Alessandra
Published: August 2013

BACKGROUND

The nutritional characteristics of the Black Sea area (BSA) traditional foods are almost unknown, and they could be interesting sources of antioxidant compounds. In this study, carried out within the BaSeFood project, the in vitro total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and phenolic content of 39 BSA traditional foods were determined using different assays.

RESULTS

An ample range of TAC and phenolics content was detected in the examined foods that were ranked according to their scavenging activity expressed per weight unit and per serving size. Based on serving size, the highest TAC was in the order blueberries > nettle soup > sunflower seeds, and the fruits/fruit‐based foods group was the one having the highest activity. Correlation analysis evidenced that the TAC is highly dependent on total phenolic content, while hydroxycinnamic acids and compounds having o‐diphenolic structure did not show specific prominent effects. Finally, correlations between the two methods used for measuring the TAC suggest that they are both suitable in a wide range of foods.

CONCLUSION

Our data represent the first contribution to further research on the health effects of BSA traditional foods. This could enhance the interest of consumers, with potential benefits to stakeholders at all levels of the production chain. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Determination of midazolam in rabbit plasma by GC and LC following nasal and ocular administration
Authors: Jaček Martin , Matějčková Jana , Málek Jiří , Hess Ladislav , Samcová Eva
Published: August 2013

GC with nitrogen phosphorus detection and HPLC with UV detection were used to determine midazolam (MDZ) levels in rabbit plasma following ocular and nasal administration. For GC with nitrogen phosphorus detection, the analyte was extracted from the plasma using a three‐step liquid–liquid extraction including extraction with an isopropanol/butyl chloride mixture in an alkaline solution, followed by extractions with 1 M HCl, and finally with an alkaline solution of butyl chloride. The recovery of MDZ was dependent on the sample alkalization time prior to the final extraction. The procedure increased the recovery of MDZ up to 99.6%. Improved sample preparation led to a significant increase in the sensitivity of the determination by GC with nitrogen phosphorus detection. The achieved detection limit was 0.34 ng/mL, which is ten times lower than that obtained using HPLC with UV detection. The small plasma volume was another advantage of the GC with nitrogen phosphorus detection method (200 μL per assay). Both administration routes of the anesthetic (nasal and ocular) resulted in comparable plasma MDZ levels. Kinetic simulation of the MDZ plasma was performed for both administration routes.
Novel magnetic SPE method based on carbon nanotubes filled with cobalt ferrite for the analysis of organochlorine pesticides in honey and tea
Authors: Du Zhuo , Liu Miao , Li Gongke
Published: August 2013

A novel magnetic SPE method based on magnetic cobalt ferrite filled carbon nanotubes (MFCNTs) coupled with GC with electron capture detection was developed to determine organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in tea and honey samples. The MFCNTs were prepared through the capillarity of carbon nanotubes for drawing mixed cobalt and iron nitrates solution into their inner cavity followed by heating to 550°C under Ar to form the cobalt ferrite nanoparticles. SEM images provided visible evidence of the filled cobalt ferrite nanoparticles in the multiwalled nanotubes. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicated no adhesion of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles and metal salts on the outer surface of the MFCNTs. Eight OCPs were extracted with the MFCNTs. The enrichment factors were in the range of 52–68 for eight OCPs. The LODs for the eight OCPs were in the range of 1.3–3.6 ng/L. The recoveries of the OCPs for honey and tea samples were 83.2–128.7 and 72.6–111.0%, respectively. The RSDs for these samples were below 6.8%. The new method is particularly suited to extract nonpolar and weakly polar analytes from a complex matrix and could potentially be extended to other target analytes.
Kinetics of Hydrolysis of Bisoprolol Hemifumarate in Aqueous Acidic Solutions
Authors: Szalka Mateusz , Rokaszewski Edward , Kaczmarski Krzysztof
Published: August 2013

The kinetics of hydrolysis of bisoprolol hemifumarate in acidic conditions was studied using high‐performance liquid chromatography. For this purpose, different hydrohalic acids and one weak carboxylic acid were used. The rate constants, the order of the reaction, and the activation parameters: enthalpy, entropy, and energy of activation were calculated. A proposition for the mechanism of degradation was provided.
Genetic susceptibility to chronic otitis media with effusion: Candidate gene single nucleotide polymorphisms
Authors: MacArthur Carol J. , Wilmot Beth , Wang Linda , Schuller Michael , Lighthall Jessyka , Trune Dennis
Published: August 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

The genetic factors leading to a predisposition to otitis media are not well understood. The objective of the current study was to develop a tag‐single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) panel to determine if there is an association between candidate gene polymorphisms and the development of chronic otitis media with effusion.

Study Design

A 1:1 case/control design of 100 cases and 100 controls was used. The study was limited to the chronic otitis media with effusion phenotype to increase the population homogeneity.

Methods

A panel of 192 tag‐SNPs was selected. Saliva for DNA extraction was collected from 100 chronic otitis media with effusion cases and 100 controls. After quality control, 100 case and 79 control samples were available for hybridization. Genomic DNA from each subject was hybridized to the SNP probes, and genotypes were generated. Quality control across all samples and SNPs reduced the final SNPs used for analysis to 170. Each SNP was then analyzed for statistical association with chronic otitis media with effusion.

Results

Eight SNPs from four genes had an unadjusted P value of <.05 for association with the chronic otitis media with effusion phenotype (TLR4, MUC5B, SMAD2, SMAD4); five of these polymorphisms were in the TLR4 gene.

Conclusions

Even though these results need to be replicated in a novel population, the presence of five SNPs in the TLR4 gene having association with chronic otitis media with effusion in our study population lends evidence for the possible role of this gene in the susceptibility to otitis media.

Level of Evidence

NA. Laryngoscope, 124:1229–1235, 2014
The nasopharyngeal tube: A simple and effective tool to indicate the need for uvulopalatopharyngoplasty
Authors: Li Shuhua , Wu Dahai , Bao Jimin , Shi Hongjin
Published: August 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

To compare polysomnography (PSG) data after nasopharyngeal tube (NPT) insertion and uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), and explore the possibility of predicting UPPP outcomes with NPT‐PSG.

Study Design

Prospective nonrandomized study.

Methods

PSG was performed after NPT insertion in 73 inpatients with obstructive sleep apnea‐hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). All patients accepted UPPP surgery. PSG was repeated after 12 months of UPPP to assess curative effects. Data were then compared to correlate NPT‐PSG with the efficacy of UPPP.

Results

NPT insertion decreased the overall apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI) and increased the lowest oxygen saturation (LaSO2). NPT‐PSG results correlated well with surgical outcomes 12 months post‐UPPP. The correlation coefficient for AHI and LaSO2 were 0.571 (P < .001) and 0.268 (P = .033), respectively. Next, enrolled patients were divided into two groups based on NPT‐PSG results: group A, AHI <15 times/hr, 50 cases; group B, AHI ≥15 times/hr, 23 cases. The UPPP surgery success rates of the two groups were 86.0% and 39.1%, respectively.

Conclusions

NPT‐PSG data are closely correlated with UPPP efficacy and may assist in the selection of appropriate OSAHS patients for UPPP. An AHI ≥15 times/hr after NPT insertion indicates glossopharyngeal obstruction and suggests the need for appropriate intervention.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 124:1023–1028, 2014
Study of the EFG tensor at 75As nuclei in Ge‐As‐Se chalcogenide glasses
Authors: Bolebrukh O. N. , Sinyavsky N. Ya. , Dobosz B. , Korneva I. P. , Krzyminiewski R. , Ostafin M. , Nogaj B.
Published: August 2013

Asymmetry parameters of the electric field gradient tensor at 75As nuclei were determined for chalcogenide glassy semiconductors (CGS) of the Ge‐As‐Se system by comparing the experimental and simulated 75As nuclear quadrupole resonance nutation interferograms. The electric field gradient asymmetry in CGS was analyzed, and it is believed that a structural change in these glassy semiconductors takes place at  =  2.425. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectra of the Ge‐As‐Se system were obtained for the first time. A comparison was made between the results of analysis of the Ge‐As‐Se system by nuclear quadrupole resonance and electron paramagnetic resonance methods, and this allowed us to make the supposition that a structural phase transition occurs at  = 2.4 from two‐dimensional to three‐dimensional CGS structure. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stk31 is dispensable for embryonic development and spermatogenesis in mice
Authors: Bao Jianqiang , Yuan Shuiqiao , Maestas Ashley , Bhetwal Bhupal P. , Schuster Andrew , Yan Wei
Published: August 2013

Mol. Reprod. Dev. 80: 786, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Systematic test of neurotoxin dose and volume on muscle function in a rat model
Authors: Hulst Jonah B. , Minamoto Viviane B. , Lim Michael B. , Bremner Shannon N. , Ward Samuel R. , Lieber Richard L.
Published: August 2013

Introduction: Onabotulinum toxin serotype A (BT‐A) is used for a variety of motor and sensory disorders related to abnormal muscle activity. Methods: We developed a high‐resolution rodent model to allow precise determination of the effect of BT‐A dose (measured in units) and injectate volume (measured in μl) on the efficacy of the injection and systemic side effects. Dorsiflexion is the best indicator of injected and contralateral muscle function. Results: One month after injection, dorsiflexion torque of BT‐A‐injected limbs was decreased significantly in all experimental groups compared with saline controls (P < 0.05). Torque was also compared among the BT‐A groups, which demonstrated a significant effect of dose (P < 0.001), but no effect of volume (P > 0.2) and no dose × volume interaction (P > 0.3). Similar results were observed for other parameters measured. Conclusions: These data demonstrate that injection dose and not volume or concentration is the primary determinant of neurotoxin efficacy in a rodent model. Muscle Nerve 49: 709–715, 2014
Withdrawal reflexes in the upper limb adapt to arm posture and stimulus location
Authors: Peterson Carrie L. , Riley Zachary A. , Krepkovich Eileen T. , Murray Wendy M. , Perreault Eric J.
Published: August 2013

Introduction: Withdrawal reflexes in the leg adapt in a context‐appropriate manner to remove the limb from noxious stimuli, but the extent to which withdrawal reflexes adapt in the arm remains unknown. Methods: We examined the adaptability of withdrawal reflexes in response to nociceptive stimuli applied in different arm postures and to different digits. Reflexes were elicited at rest, and kinetic and electromyographic responses were recorded under isometric conditions, thereby allowing motorneuron pool excitability to be controlled. Results: Endpoint force changed from a posterior–lateral direction in a flexed posture to predominantly a posterior direction in a more extended posture [change in force angle (mean ± standard deviation) 35.6 ± 5.0°], and the force direction changed similarly with digit I stimulation compared with digit V (change = 22.9 ± 2.9°). Conclusions: The withdrawal reflex in the human upper limb adapts in a functionally relevant manner when elicited at rest. Muscle Nerve 49: 716–723, 2014
Short‐term overeating results in incomplete energy intake compensation regardless of energy density or macronutrient composition
Authors: Apolzan John W. , Bray George A. , Hamilton Marc T. , Zderic Theodore W. , Han Hongmei , Champagne Catherine M. , Shepard Desti , Martin Corby K.
Published: August 2013

Objective

To evaluate the effects of overeating (140% of energy requirements) a high‐fat low‐energy density diet (HF/LED, 1.05 kcal/g), high‐fat high‐energy density diet (HF/HED, 1.60 kcal/g), and high‐carbohydrate (HC) LED (1.05 kcal/g) for 2‐days on subsequent 4‐day energy intake (EI), activity levels, appetite, and mood.

Design and Methods

Using a randomized cross‐over design, energy expenditure and EI were standardized during overeating.

Results

In 20 adults with a mean ± SD BMI of 30.7 ± 4.6 kg/m2, EI was not suppressed until the second day after overeating and accounted for ∼30% of the excess EI. Reductions in EI did not differ among the three diets or across days. Overeating had no effect on subsequent energy expenditure but steps/day decreased after the HC/LED and HF/HED. Sleep time was increased after the HF/HED compared to both LEDs. After overeating a HF/HED vs. HF/LED, carbohydrate cravings, hunger, prospective food consumption, and sadness increased and satisfaction, relaxation, and tranquility decreased.

Conclusions

Diet type, time, or their interaction had no impact on compensation over 4 days. No adaptive thermogenesis was observed. The HF/HED vs. HF/LED had detrimental effects on food cravings, appetite, and mood. These results suggest short‐term overeating is associated with incomplete compensation.
Time series analyses of the effect of FDA communications on use of prescription weight loss medications
Authors: Block Jason P. , Choudhry Niteesh K. , Carpenter Daniel P. , Fischer Michael A. , Brennan Troyen A. , Tong Angela Y. , Matlin Olga S. , Shrank William H.
Published: August 2013

Objective

To determine the impact of FDA safety communications regarding the weight loss medications sibutramine and orlistat.

Methods

The 2008 to 2011 pharmacy claims data from CVS Caremark were used to determine the effect of the relevant FDA warnings on (1) use of sibutramine and orlistat, (2) their rates of discontinuation, and (3) substitution to an alternate weight loss medication in the 3‐month period following discontinuation.

Results

The use of sibutramine, orlistat, or phentermine declined from 45 users per 100,000 Caremark enrollees in May 2008 to 24 users per 100,000 enrollees in December 2010. In the time series analyses of overall use of medications, a very small decline in the trend of use of sibutramine after the FDA communication (0.000002% per month decline after the communication; P < 0.001) was found. However, rates of discontinuation of sibutramine and orlistat were similar before and after relevant FDA communications (all P values >0.1 for both level and trend changes post‐warning). Patients discontinuing sibutramine post‐communication increased use of phentermine at a rate of 0.004% per month after discontinuation (P = 0.01).

Conclusion

From 2008 to 2010, use of prescription weight loss medications was low and declined over time. FDA communications regarding the safety of these medications had limited effect on use.
Plasma dihydroceramide species associate with waist circumference in Mexican American families
Authors: Mamtani Manju , Meikle Peter J. , Kulkarni Hemant , Weir Jacquelyn M. , Barlow Christopher K. , Jowett Jeremy B. , Bellis Claire , Dyer Thomas D. , Almasy Laura , Mahaney Michael C. , Duggirala Ravindranath , Comuzzie Anthony G. , Blangero John , Curran Joanne E.
Published: August 2013

Objective

Waist circumference (WC), the clinical marker of central obesity, is gaining popularity as a screening tool for type 2 diabetes (T2D). While there is epidemiologic evidence favoring the WC‐T2D association, its biological substantiation is generally weak. Our objective was to determine the independent association of plasma lipid repertoire with WC.

Methods

Samples and data from the San Antonio Family Heart Study of 1208 Mexican Americans from 42 extended families were used. Association of plasma lipidomic profiles with the cross‐sectionally assessed WC was determined. Plasma lipidomic profiling entailed liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry. Statistical analyses included multivariable polygenic regression models and bivariate trait analyses using the SOLAR software.

Results

After adjusting for age and sex interactions, body mass index, homeostasis model of assessment—insulin resistance, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoproteins and use of lipid lowering drugs, dihydroceramides as a class were associated with WC. Dihydroceramide species 18:0, 20:0, 22:0, and 24:1 were significantly associated and genetically correlated with WC. Two sphingomyelin species (31:1 and 41:1) were also associated with WC.

Conclusions

Plasma dihydroceramide levels independently associate with WC. Thus, high resolution plasma lipidomic studies can provide further credence to the biological underpinnings of the association of WC with T2D.
Psychotropic medication use in adolescents with intellectual disability living in the community
Authors: Doan Tan , Ware Robert , McPherson Lyn , van Dooren Kate , Bain Christopher , Carrington Suzanne , Einfeld Stewart , Tonge Bruce , Lennox Nicholas
Published: August 2013

Purpose

Information on the use of psychotropic medications in adolescents with intellectual disability is scant. Such information can guide interventions to improve psychotropic medication use in this population. We investigated the prevalence of, and factors associated with, psychotropic medication use in adolescents with intellectual disability in Australia who live in the community.

Methods

Cross‐sectional data were obtained from adolescents with intellectual disability living in the community in South East Queensland, Australia, between February 2007 and September 2010. Self‐reported information on medication use was extracted from a health screening tool. Demographic and medical data were collected through parent/caregiver surveys. Medications were classified according to the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical classification system. Psychopathology was assessed using the Developmental Behaviour Checklist Short Form. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association of demographic and medical characteristics with psychotropic medication use.

Results

There were 176 participants (median age = 16 years, range = 11–19 years; 55% male). Psychotropics were used by 20% of participants. Psychostimulants were the commonest psychotropic class, used by 9% of participants. Multipsychotropic prescribing was not common with only seven participants using more than one psychotropic agent. After adjusting for potentially confounding variables, use of psychotropic medications was significantly associated with male gender (adjusted odds ratio = 3.6; 95% confidence interval = 1.3–9.5) and having major behaviour problems (3.1; 1.1–8.9).

Conclusions

Adolescents with intellectual disability use a wide range of psychotropic medications. Being male and having major behaviour problems are associated with the use of psychotropic medications. Research examining the rationale for psychotropic prescribing in this population is needed. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polyphase‐coded incoherent scatter measurements at Millstone Hill
Authors: Virtanen Ilkka I. , Lind Frank D. , Roininen Lassi , Erickson Philip J. , Rideout William C. , Orispää Mikko , Vierinen Juha , Lehtinen Markku S.
Published: August 2013

We report first results of polyphase‐coded incoherent scatter measurements at Millstone Hill. To our knowledge, these are the first incoherent scatter measurements with polyphase alternating codes of Markkanen et al. (2008) and optimal quadriphase sequences of Damtie et al. (2008). The results demonstrate that an arbitrary waveform generator recently installed at the Millstone Hill incoherent scatter radar, part of the National Science Foundation Geospace Facility operated by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Haystack Observatory, is capable of reproducing the polyphase waveforms with an accuracy sufficient for incoherent scatter measurements. Polyphase codes will allow incoherent scatter radar experiments to be better optimized, because they provide a larger variety of code and code cycle lengths than the traditional binary codes.
A historical review of urban climatology and the atmospheres of the industrialized world
Authors: Janković Vladimir
Published: August 2013

Although the scientific research in the atmospheres of urban space has been long in existence, it has still not found its proper place in the contemporary historical analysis. The historical emphasis on large‐scale phenomena and the advent of numerical weather prediction has occluded the scientific relevance and social dimension of investigations into small‐scale atmospheric processes. As a result, agricultural, forest, urban, and indoor meteorologies have received relatively little attention to date, as have micro‐climatology, turbulence studies, and the air pollution meteorology. This article provides an outline of the historical and contemporary studies of urban weather and climate in Europe and North America. It looks into the origins of the field, the evolution of main topics of research, and the processes of disciplinary institutionalization. The article suggests that a closer inspection of the developments in urban climatology would permit a more representative account of modern atmospheric sciences and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the contemporary concerns over the anthropogenic climate change.WIREs Clim Change2013, 4:539–553. doi: 10.1002/wcc.244

This article is categorized under:

Climate, History, Society, Culture > Disciplinary Perspectives