bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cultura política de la juventud urbana de la región metropolitana de Managua
Authors: Mercado Hloreley Osorio , Vásquez Luis Serra
Published: August 2012

El artículo presenta los resultados de la dimensión “Gobernabilidad y Ciudadanía” de una investigación más amplia denominada “Subjetividad Juvenil y Reproducción Social de la Democracia en Nicaragua” que realizó el Centro de Análisis Sociocultural de la Universidad Centroamericana (CASC-UCA). El estudio se basa principalmente en una encuesta realizada en octubre de 2010 a una muestra aleatoria de 1,145 jóvenes urbanos del área metropolitana de Managua. Entre los hallazgos de este estudio se puede mencionar que la juventud urbana es mayoritariamente portadora de valores democráticos como la tolerancia y el respeto mutuo entre ciudadanos en relación con la diversidad étnica y la equidad de género. La gran mayoría expresó su interés en participar en las elecciones presidenciales de 2011 porque lo consideran un derecho y/o un deber ciudadano, reflejando así una valoración positiva de la democracia electoral. El estudio ha detectado algunas contradicciones entre el discurso y la práctica de los/as jóvenes encuestados, lo que refleja un proceso dinámico y multifacético de conformación de la cultura política en esta etapa vital en que confluyen elementos de la cultura política autoritaria tradicional y nuevos aportes de una cultura democrática emergente.
Participación de la Sociedad Civil en el Marco de la Integración Regional Centroamericana: la experiencia del Foro de Mujeres por la Integración Centroamericana y la Iniciativa Mesoamericana por el Comercio, la Integración y el Desarrollo Sostenible
Authors: Mercado Hloreley Osorio , González Mario Sánchez , Morales Marissa Olivares
Published: August 2012

Se devela la dinámica de dos organizaciones civiles regionales que participan en el proceso de integración centroamericana desde espacios institucionalizados o no institucionalizados del sistema: el Foro de Mujeres para la Integración Centroamericana (FMICA), organización insider, miembro del Comité Consultivo del Sistema de Integración Centroamericana (CC-SICA) y la Iniciativa Mesoamericana por el Comercio, la Integración y el Desarrollo Sostenible (Iniciativa CID), organización outsider, que cumple con los requisitos para estar dentro del CC-SICA, pero no lo está.El FMICA fue beligerante en la dinamización del CC-SICA y la creación de los capítulos nacionales, además consiguió posicionar el enfoque de género en las instituciones del sistema. La Iniciativa CID, con su elevado nivel de investigación, propuesta e incidencia, logró que se incorporaran intereses del sector pesca y temas importantes como los derechos laborales y socio-ambientales.Pese a que desde los espacios consultivos del SICA y plataformas independientes se ejerce cierta influencia en el sistema, probablemente la incidencia sería mayor si se aprovechara el espacio creado en la estructura institucional del SICA. Las fortalezas del FMICA y de la Iniciativa CID tendrían potencial para garantizar un posicionamiento político y un alto nivel de propuesta del CC-SICA.
Efectos de la herbivoría foliar en el crecimiento y mortalidad de plántulas de Vochysia ferruginea (Vochysiaceae) en un bosque en regeneración pos-huracán
Authors: Ruiz Javier
Published: August 2012

La herbivoría foliar puede afectar el crecimiento y la mortalidad de plántulas en bosques húmedos tropicales. Para evaluar esta aserción se establecieron experimentos en dos secciones de un bosque húmedo tropical en regeneración tras los daños causados por el huracán Juana en 1998. Los trabajos de campo fueron llevados a cabo durante el inicio de la fase de raleo de regeneración de bosque -caracterizada por condiciones bajas de iluminación a nivel del sotobosque- en cuatro parcelas permanentes (20x20 m). Ambos sitios fueron estudiados entre febrero 1997 y agosto 1998 y re-analizados en un estudio de los efectos de la herbivoría foliar natural en la sobrevivencia y mortalidad de plántulas de V. ferruginea de febrero 2003 a febrero 2004 en dos parcelas de 6.3 ha, una parcela por sitio. En cada parcela experimental se identificaron las plántulas con altura máxima ≤100cm, se etiquetaron con un número y se anotó su altura máxima. La herbivoría natural fue cuantificada y se aplicaron dos tratamientos de herbivoría artificial (50% y 95%). Con el objetivo de controlar las condiciones de iluminación (sombra versus luz) en el sotobosque, se aplicó un tratamiento de anillado de árboles en el que se remueve el tejido conductivo alrededor del tronco de cualquier especie con >10cm en circunferencia en una parcela por cada sitio. Para evaluar el efecto de los tres niveles de herbivoría artificial y los dos niveles de iluminación en el crecimiento y sobrevivencia de plántulas de V. ferruginea se realizó un ANCOVA. El análisis muestra que en este período el efecto de los niveles de herbivoría y las condiciones de luz en sotobosque no fue estadísticamente significativo en el crecimiento y la mortalidad de plántulas cuando se incrementaron artificialmente las condiciones de luz en el sotobosque. La única variable que mostró un efecto estadísticamente significativo sobre el crecimiento fue la altura inicial de las plántulas. Esto podría deberse a que durante este periodo las condiciones de luz permanecieron altas en el sotobosque. El modelo fue altamente significativo (R2=0.7457, F5, 69=50.59, p=2.2e-16). Las siguientes observaciones se realizaron durante el inicio de la etapa de raleo, donde se analizó el efecto de la herbivoría natural y la presencia de arañas en el crecimiento y sobrevivencia de plántulas de V. ferruginea. El análisis muestra que aunque la importancia de la herbivoría foliar sobre la demografía de las plántulas es estadísticamente significativa en esta etapa, la magnitud y dirección de este efecto varió en los dos períodos de medición: febrero 2003 y febrero 2004. Este modelo fue también altamente significativo (R2=0.7872, F5, 142=105.1, p=2.2e-16). Se piensa que la presencia de arañas en las plántulas altera el coeficiente de herbivoría por insectos de forma no lineal en las etapas recientes de regeneración del bosque.
El voto femenino en Nicaragua: una historia oculta
Authors: Montenegro Rosario
Published: August 2012

A través de este artículo se reconstruyen algunos aspectos relevantes sobre la conquista del voto femenino en Nicaragua. Desde inicios del siglo XX, las primeras feministas nicaragüenses alzaron su voz y su pluma para reclamar sus derechos civiles y políticos, entre ellos el derecho al voto. La figura central de este movimiento fue la profesora Josefa Toledo de Aguerri, quien también reclamaba derechos patrimoniales, laborales y educación para las mujeres. Con este artículo se pretende visibilizar un hecho que durante sus 57 años de existencia ha permanecido oculto.
Notes on Urban Wildlife in the City of Managua, Nicaragua
Authors: Mijail Pérez Antonio
Published: August 2012

As a result of some spot observations conducted on Managua, capital city of Nicaragua, a preliminary list of mollusks and birds was published. The list was made up of 18 species, 12 families and three orders of mollusks as well as 41 species, 23 families and 9 orders of birds. These values are consistent with total species numbers estimated by experts on these taxa for the country. This was the first inventory from these taxa associated to the city of Managua, where previous data on trees already existed. These results are analyzed in the light of existing literature on the subject.
Friction Performance of Al-10%SiCp Reinforced Metal Matrix Composites Using Taguchi Method
Authors: Ghosh Shouvik , Sahoo Prasanta , Sutradhar Goutam
Published: August 2012

The present paper considers the friction performance of Al-10%SiCp reinforced metal matrix composites against steel for varying tribological test parameters. The composite is prepared by stir-casting process using aluminium alloy LM6 being mixed with 10% silicon carbide by weight. The tribological tests are performed by varying applied load, sliding speed, and time. The friction performance is studied using plate-on-roller configuration in a multitribotester and optimized using Taguchi L27 orthogonal array. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) is performed to observe the significance of test parameters and their interactions on friction performance. It is observed that normal load and the interaction between normal load and speed influence the friction behaviour, significantly. The wear tracks are analyzed with the help of scanning electron microscopy.
Smart grid and AMI for water utilities
Authors: Lewis Chris , Hendrix Michelle
Published: August 2012

Utilities can adopt and implement five strategic elements as part of their water management practices to move toward effective water conservation programs.
Retroviral and Lentiviral Vectors for the Induction of Immunological Tolerance
Authors: Dufait Inès , Liechtenstein Therese , Lanna Alessio , Bricogne Christopher , Laranga Roberta , Padella Antonella , Breckpot Karine , Escors David
Published: August 2012

Retroviral and lentiviral vectors have proven to be particularly efficient systems to deliver genes of interest into target cells, either in vivo or in cell cultures. They have been used for some time for gene therapy and the development of gene vaccines. Recently retroviral and lentiviral vectors have been used to generate tolerogenic dendritic cells, key professional antigen presenting cells that regulate immune responses. Thus, three main approaches have been undertaken to induce immunological tolerance; delivery of potent immunosuppressive cytokines and other molecules, modification of intracellular signalling pathways in dendritic cells, and de-targeting transgene expression from dendritic cells using microRNA technology. In this review we briefly describe retroviral and lentiviral vector biology, and their application to induce immunological tolerance.
Au commencement était le récit1
Authors: Clément Bruno
Published: August 2012

Mon propos consiste ici à envisager les tenants et aboutissants d’une hypothèse aux termes de laquelle la pensée et tous les discours qui s’en réclament (dont la philosophie) résulteraient de la scission originaire d’avec le récit. Récit qui, selon l’hypothèse de Vernant, abritait en son sein à une époque mythique (présocratique) non seulement l’histoire des dieux et des héros mais les ingrédients nécessaires à l’élaboration d’un discours scientifique et même philosophique. Cette hypothèse comporte deux faces que j’examine successivement : d’abord la trame du récit est un composé indistinct de pensée et de narration ; ensuite, et surtout, la pensée conserve toujours la trace, plus ou moins visible, de cette origine narrative. Se pose alors la question de savoir si cette dette consubstantielle est de quelque conséquence sur la nature et la pertinence de ses propositions.
Roland Barthes enquête : La chambre claire ou la mélancolie policière
Authors: Létourneau Sophie
Published: August 2012

Quand Roland Barthes entreprend le manuscrit de La chambre claire le 15 avril 1979, il s’efforçait de résoudre trois problèmes qui l’occupaient depuis quelques années : 1) problème esthétique : qu’est-ce que la photographie représente ? 2) problème poétique : comment passer à l’écriture romanesque ? et 3) problème éthique : comment rendre hommage à sa mère dont il était toujours en deuil ? Le propos de cet article est de montrer que Roland Barthes a trouvé dans le roman policier, dans ses codes narratifs et sa temporalité, une solution (ne serait-ce que formelle) à ces trois obsessions.
Moby-Dick de Herman Melville : de l’allégorie de la caverne à l’allégorie de la baleine
Authors: Duhamel André
Published: August 2012

Moby-Dickest selon Melville une quête de la vérité, qu’il réalise dans un roman marqué par le mélange des genres. Comment cette ambition et ce mode d’écriture sont-ils liés ? En examinant les références philosophiques internes à l’oeuvre, nous chercherons à montrer que son caractère allégorique se comprend au mieux en regard de la relation ambiguë qu’entretient Melville avec l’idéalisme. Nous discuterons à cet effet la thèse de M. Levin (1979) selon laquelleMoby-Dickrenverse l’allégorie platonicienne de la caverne, thèse que nous compléterons en faisant appel à la figure du « monde inversé » dans la Phénoménologie de l’Espritde Hegel.
L’effet-Bartleby : répétitions et nouveautés dans Un homme qui dort de Georges Perec
Authors: Fortin-Tillard1 Patrick
Published: August 2012

Le personnage de Melville, Bartleby, a été rappelé à la littérature contemporaine grâce à l’écrivain catalan Vila-Matas (Bartleby et compagnie, 2002). Prolongé comme effet-bartleby sur cette littérature, il n’est pas seulement la touchante imagerie d’un personnage au refus extrême. Le refus qu’il exprime prend corps non seulement dans la littérature mais se déploie ailleurs, dans l’expérience du monde. Son rayon d’action agrandi, sa prodigalité en matière de négation, ont interpellé Georges Perec, sensible aux arguments de Bartleby. Précurseur de Vila-Matas, Perec utilisa les ressources littéraires de cette figure, à la fois la même et une autre. Les perspectives qui en résultent peuvent alors devenir nouvelles.
Durable Regression of Primary Cutaneous B-Cell Lymphoma following Fever-inducing Mistletoe Treatment: Two Case Reports
Authors: Orange Maurice , Lace Aija , Fonseca Maria P. , Von Laue Broder H. , Geider Stefan , Kienle Gunver S.
Published: August 2012

Background:

Mistletoe is a complementary cancer treatment that is widely used, usually in addition to and alongside recommended conventional cancer therapy. However, little is known about its use, effectiveness, and safety in the treatment of cutaneous lymphoma.

Case Report:

Two patients with primary cutaneous B-cell lymphoma (pT2bcNxM0 follicle center and pT2ac-NxM0 marginal zone) either declined or postponed recommended conventional treatment and received highdose, fever-inducing mistletoe treatment; a combination of intratumoral, subcutaneous, and intravenous application was given; and one patient also underwent whole-body hyperthermia. The lymphoma regressed over a period of 12 and 8 months, respectively, and after administration of a cumulative dose of 12.98 g and 4.63 g mistletoe extract, respectively. The patients are in remission to date, 3.5 years after commencement of treatment. Neither patient received conventional cancer treatment during the entire observation period.
Reproductive cycle of the leopard grouper Mycteroperca rosacea in La Paz Bay, Mexico
Authors: Estrada-Godínez JA , Maldonado-García M , Gracia-López V , Carrillo M
Published: August 2012

The leopard grouper Mycteroperca rosacea is an endemic species from the northwestern coast of Mexico and, like other serranid fishes, it has a high commercial value; hence, it is a good candidate for cultivation. This study aimed to describe the reproductive cycle of the leopard grouper in the wild as a step toward evaluating its aquaculture and restocking potential. From March 2008 to February 2009, 197 specimens were collected in the Gulf of California, Mexico. Overall sex ratio was 3.6 females to 1.0 male. Significant differences (P < 0.05) in total length and body weight were found between sexes. Group-synchronous ovarian development was observed with one yearly spawning period from May to June. Males matured two months earlier than females. The reproductive cycle was divided into four periods: (1) maturation, (2) spawning, (3) post-spawning, and (4) resting. Significant variations in the gonadosomatic index, hepatosomatic index, visceral fat index, and condition factor were observed throughout the study period. In addition, nine individuals were classified as immature bisexuals and one grouper presented evidence of sex change.
Large‐Scale Nano Piezo Force Position Arrays as Ultrahigh‐Resolution Micro‐ and Nanoparticle Tracker
Authors: Subannajui Kittitat , Menzel Andreas , Güder Firat , Yang Yang , Schumann Katrin , Lu Xiaoli , Zacharias Margit
Published: August 2012

Defining the position of an object on a planar substrate by force sensors is a common technology nowadays. Many products are commercialized worldwide, which make use of force sensors, especially, for instance, touchpads. Here advanced lithography processes together with piezoelectric materials are demonstrated to fabricate an extremely high resolution force sensor. The approach combines a large array of nanoscale piezoelectric lines fabricated on Si wafer by phase‐shift lithography and atomic‐layer‐deposition‐based spacer lithography techniques. These key lithography methods are utilized to fabricate ultralong (cm range) nanolines on the wafer scale. ZnO and P(VDF‐TrFE) are selected here as materials for piezoelectric signal generators. The detection mechanisms are explained and simulations combined with experimental data are demonstrated to prove the concept. The signal generated when an object approaches one single line is in the nanoampere range. The result enables a new and simple path for a device fabrication, which defines the position with micro‐ and nanometer resolution and can be used, for example, as micro‐ and nanoparticle trackers.
Bifurcated Polarization Rotation in Bismuth‐Based Piezoelectrics
Authors: Keeble Dean S. , Barney Emma R. , Keen David A. , Tucker Matthew G. , Kreisel Jens , Thomas Pam A.
Published: August 2012

ABO3 perovskite‐type solid solutions display a large variety of structural and physical properties, which can be tuned by chemical composition or external parameters such as temperature, pressure, strain, electric, or magnetic fields. Some solid solutions show remarkably enhanced physical properties including colossal magnetoresistance or giant piezoelectricity. It has been recognized that structural distortions, competing on the local level, are key to understanding and tuning these remarkable properties, yet, it remains a challenge to experimentally observe such local structural details. Here, from neutron pair‐distribution analysis, a temperature‐dependent 3D atomic‐level model of the lead‐free piezoelectric perovskite Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3 (NBT) is reported. The statistical analysis of this model shows how local distortions compete, how this competition develops with temperature, and, in particular, how different polar displacements of Bi3+ cations coexist as a bifurcated polarization, highlighting the interest of Bi‐based materials in the search for new lead‐free piezoelectrics.
Multifunctional Upconversion Nanoparticles for Dual‐Modal Imaging‐Guided Stem Cell Therapy under Remote Magnetic Control
Authors: Cheng Liang , Wang Chao , Ma Xinxing , Wang Qinglong , Cheng Yao , Wang Han , Li Yonggang , Liu Zhuang
Published: August 2012

Stem cells have generated a great deal of excitement in cell‐based therapies. Here, a unique class of multifunctional nanoparticles (MFNPs) with both upconversion luminescence (UCL) and superparamagnetic properties is used for stem cell research. It is discovered that after being labeled with MFNPs, mouse mesenchymal stem cells (mMSCs) are able to maintain their viability and differentiation ability. In vivo UCL imaging of MFNP‐labeled mMSCs transplanted into animals is carried out, achieving ultrahigh tracking sensitivity with a detection limit as low as ≈10 cells in a mouse. Using both UCL optical and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging approaches, MFNP‐labeled mMSCs are tracked after being intraperitoneally injected into wound‐bearing mice under a magnetic field. The translocation of mMSCs from the injection site to the wound nearby the magnet is observed and, intriguingly, a remarkably improved tissue repair effect is observed as the result of magnetically induced accumulation of stem cells in the wound site. The results demonstrate the use MFNPs as novel multifunctional probes for labeling, in vivo tracking, and manipulation of stem cells, which is promising for imaging guided cell therapies and tissue engineering.
The Copper‐Catalyzed C‐3‐Formylation of Indole CH Bonds using Tertiary Amines and Molecular Oxygen
Authors: Chen Jianbin , Liu Bin , Liu Dongfang , Liu Shan , Cheng Jiang
Published: August 2012

A copper‐catalyzed formylation reaction has been developed by employing oxygen (O2) as the clean oxidant. The CH bonds of indoles were C‐3‐formylated by tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA) and water (H2O; in situ formed and external added water) as the carbonyl source in moderate to good yields with good functional group tolerance. Thus, it represents a facile procedure leading to 3‐formylindoles.
Direct Catalytic Formation of Primary and Tertiary Amides from Non‐Activated Carboxylic Acids, Employing Carbamates as Amine Source
Authors: Tinnis Fredrik , Lundberg Helena , Adolfsson Hans
Published: August 2012

The operationally simple titanium(IV)‐ or zirconium(IV)‐catalyzed direct amidation of non‐activated carboxylic acids with ammonium carbamates generates primary, and tertiary N,N‐dimethyl‐substituted amides in good to excellent yields.
Salt‐Controlled Selectivity in “on Water” and “in Water” Passerini‐Type Multicomponent Reactions
Authors: Sela Tal , Vigalok Arkadi
Published: August 2012

We have demonstrated that simple sodium salts can completely reverse the product ratios of the Passerini reaction in aqueous media. Furthermore, the use of the “salting‐in” salt and a small excess of the nucleophile gives significantly higher yields than the use of the saturated solution of the nucleophile alone.
Factors Governing Intercalation of Fullerenes and Other Small Molecules Between the Side Chains of Semiconducting Polymers Used in Solar Cells
Authors: Cates Nichole , Cho Eunkyung , Gysel Roman , Risko Chad , Coropceanu Veaceslav , Miller Chad E. , Sweetnam Sean , Sellinger Alan , Heeney Martin , McCulloch Iain , Brédas Jean‐Luc , Toney Michael F. , McGehee Michael D.
Published: August 2012

While recent reports have established significant miscibility in polymer:fullerene blends used in organic solar cells, little is actually known about why polymers and fullerenes mix and how their mixing can be controlled. Here, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and molecular simulations are used to study mixing in a variety of polymer:molecule blends by systematically varying the polymer and small‐molecule properties. It is found that a variety of polymer:fullerene blends mix by forming bimolecular crystals provided there is sufficient space between the polymer side chains to accommodate a fullerene. Polymer:tetrafluoro‐tetracyanoquinodimethane (F4‐TCNQ) bimolecular crystals were also observed, although bimolecular crystals did not form in the other studied polymer:non‐fullerene blends, including those with both conjugated and non‐conjugated small molecules. DSC and molecular simulations demonstrate that strong polymer–fullerene interactions can exist, and the calculations point to van der Waals interactions as a significant driving force for molecular mixing.
Comparison of baseline free testosterone and cortisol concentrations between elite and non‐elite female athletes
Authors: Cook Christian J. , Crewther Blair T. , Smith Alan A.
Published: August 2012

Objectives:

To compare the baseline free testosterone (T) and cortisol (C) concentrations of elite and non‐elite female athletes.

Methods:

Eighteen females from different sports (track and field, netball, cycling, swimming, bob skeleton) were monitored over a 12‐week period. Baseline measures of salivary free T and C concentrations were taken weekly prior to any training. The elites (n = 9) and non‐elites (n = 9) were classified as international and national level competitors, respectively, with both groups matched by sport.

Results:

The pooled free T concentrations of the elites (87 pg/ml) were significantly higher than the non‐elites (41 pg/ml) and consistently so across all weekly time points (P < 0.001). Pooled free C concentrations were also greater in the elite group (2.90 ng/ml) than the non‐elites (2.32 ng/ml) (P < 0.01).

Conclusions:

The pooled baseline T and C measures were higher in elite female athletes than non‐elites. Higher free T and C concentrations could indicate a greater capacity for physical performance at higher work rates, which is commensurate with the demands of elite sport. Speculatively, the T differences observed could influence female behavior and thereby help to regulate sporting potential. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Age at menarche and parity are independently associated with Anti‐Müllerian hormone, a marker of ovarian reserve, in filipino young adult women
Authors: Bragg Jared M. , Kuzawa Christopher W. , Agustin Sonny S. , Banerjee Monisha N. , Mcdade Thomas W.
Published: August 2012

Objectives:

Despite ample evidence of variation in timing of menopause, little is known about the extent or underlying causes of individual variation in ovarian reserve and age‐related follicular decline. Anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH), a hormonal marker of ovarian reserve, may be a useful tool to clarify these questions. We describe AMH in a cohort of Filipino young adult women, and evaluate whether ovarian reserve in early adulthood relates to measures of life history scheduling (menarcheal age) and reproductive effort (parity).

Methods:

Data and samples are obtained from 294 nonpregnant participants (21.5 years ± 0.3) in the Cebu Longitudinal Health and Nutrition Survey. Plasma AMH was assayed using an enzyme immunoassay and relationships between AMH, menarcheal age, and parity were examined.

Results:

Mean AMH was 4.3 ng/mL. In multiple regression models, women who experienced menarche earlier had significantly higher AMH as young adults (P < 0.05). Women with two (P < 0.05) and three or more (P < 0.01) children had significantly lower AMH than those with no children. These associations were independent of age, smoking, and body mass index.

Conclusions:

These findings suggest that individual variation in life history scheduling and reproductive history could contribute to variation in ovarian reserve. Moreover, they demonstrate the utility of AMH as a tool for human reproductive ecology, and highlight the need for further research clarifying the extent of human population variation in ovarian reserve and the behavioral and ecological influences underlying this variation. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Expression pattern of the transforming growth factor β signaling genes in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells after exercise—inflammatory aspects
Authors: Kimsa Magdalena , Strzalka‐Mrozik Barbara , Kimsa Malgorzata , Gola Joanna , Kochanska‐Dziurowicz Aleksandra , Zebrowska Aleksandra , Janikowska Grazyna , Mazurek Urszula , Jonczyk Szymon
Published: August 2012

Objective:

The present study has focused on the identification of differences between the expression pattern of TGF‐β signaling pathway genes in athletes after exercise.

Materials and methods:

The study group consisted of three healthy cyclists, which were collected pre‐exercise, immediately postexercise, and after 15 min of recovery. The analysis of the expression profile of genes related to the TGF‐β signal transduction pathway was performed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells using HG‐U133A oligonucleotide microarrays.

Results:

A significant differential gene expression was recorded for RUNX3, TGFBR3, MLC1, and GRB2.

Conclusions:

The effect of physical exercise on immune response may be essential for human health. Moreover, alterations of TGF‐β signaling can be involved in the process of adaptation of human organism to physical exertion. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Infant growth and the thymus: Data from two South American native societies
Authors: Veile Amanda , Winking Jeffrey , Gurven Michael , Greaves Russell D. , Kramer Karen L.
Published: August 2012

The thymus plays an important role in the development of the immune system, yet little is known about the patterns and sources of variation in postnatal thymic development. The aim of this study is to contribute cross‐cultural data on thymus size in infants from two South American native populations, the Tsimane of Bolivia and the Pumé of Venezuela. Thymic ultrasonography was performed and standard anthropometric measures collected from 86 Tsimane and Pumé infants. Patterns of infant growth and thymus size were compared between the two populations and the relationship between nutritional status and thymus size was assessed. Despite nearly identical anthropometric trajectories, Tsimane infants had larger thymuses than Pumé infants at all ages. Population, infant age, and infant mid‐upper arm circumference were significant predictors of thymus area in the Tsimane and Pumé infants. This finding reveals a cross‐cultural difference in thymus size that is not driven by nutritional status. We suggest that future studies focus on isolating prenatal and postnatal environmental factors underlying cross‐cultural variation in thymic development. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Meta‐analysis argues for a female‐specific role of MAOA‐uVNTR in panic disorder in four European populations
Authors: Reif Andreas , Weber Heike , Domschke Katharina , Klauke Benedikt , Baumann Christian , Jacob Christian P. , Ströhle Andreas , Gerlach Alexander L. , Alpers Georg W. , Pauli Paul , Hamm Alfons , Kircher Tilo , Arolt Volker , Wittchen Hans‐Ulrich , Binder Elisabeth B. , Erhardt Angelika , Deckert Jürgen
Published: August 2012

Panic disorder (PD) is a common mental disorder, ranking highest among the anxiety disorders in terms of disease burden. The pathogenesis of PD is multifactorial with significant heritability, however only a few convincing risk genes have been reported thus far. One of the most promising candidates is the gene encoding monoamine oxidase A (MAOA), due to its key role in monoaminergic neurotransmission, established validity of animal models, and the efficacy of MAO inhibitors in the treatment of PD. A promoter repeat polymorphism in MAOA (MAOA‐uVNTR) impacts on gene expression; high‐expression alleles have been reported to increase the risk for PD. To further scrutinize the role of this polymorphism, we performed a formal meta‐analysis on MAOA‐uVNTR and PD using original data from four published European (Estonian, German, Italian, and Polish) samples and genotypes from three hitherto unpublished German PD samples, resulting in the largest (n = 1,115 patients and n = 1,260 controls) genetic study on PD reported to date. In the unpublished samples, evidence for association of MAOA‐uVNTR with PD was obtained in one of the three samples. Results of the meta‐analysis revealed a significant and female‐specific association when calculating an allelic model (OR = 1.23, P = 0.006). This sex‐specific effect might be explained by a gene‐dose effect causing higher MAOA expression in females. Taken together, our meta‐analysis therefore argues that high‐expression MAOA‐uVNTR alleles significantly increase the risk towards PD in women. However, epigenetic mechanisms might obfuscate the genetic association, calling for ascertainment in larger samples as well as assessment of the MAOA promoter methylation status therein. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor gene Val66Met polymorphism and cognitive function in obsessive–compulsive disorder
Authors: Tükel Raşit , Gürvit Hakan , Özata Berna , Öztürk Nalan , Ertekin Banu A. , Ertekin Erhan , Baran Bengi , Kalem Şükriye A. , Büyükgök Deniz , Direskeneli Güher S.
Published: August 2012

In the present study, we have tested the hypothesis that brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene Val66Met polymorphism is associated with obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) and also investigated the association between the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism and the performance on tests measuring executive functions in a sample of patients with OCD. A total of 100 patients diagnosed with OCD according to DSM‐IV criteria and 110 control subjects were included in this study. Single nucleotide polymorphism (G/A) leading to Val to Met substitution at codon 66 in BDNF was screened in the DNA samples of all participants. The genotype frequencies of BDNF Val66Met polymorphism were compared in OCD patients and healthy controls. The four subgroups of OCD and healthy control subjects, determined according to being Val homozygous or carrying a Met allele, were also compared according to their performance in a battery of neuropsychological tests of executive functions and verbal memory. There was no significant difference for the allele and genotype distributions of BDNF Val66Met polymorphism between the OCD and healthy control groups. Compared to the other three subgroups, OCD‐Met carriers were slower on Trail‐Making Test part A (TMT A), part B (TMT B) score and its speed‐corrected score (TMT B‐A). OCD‐Met carriers had also poor performance on verbal fluency tasks and several CVLT measures compared only to the healthy control‐Met carriers. These results demonstrate that the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism does not appear to be a risk factor for OCD. However, the presence of a BDNF Met allele, which is a known attenuator of BDNF activity, may be associated with a poorer executive functioning in OCD. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Detecting anxiety symptoms in children and youths with neurofibromatosis type I
Authors: Pasini Augusto , Lo‐Castro Adriana , Di Carlo Loredana , Pitzianti Mariabernarda , Siracusano Martina , Rosa Caterina , Galasso Cinzia
Published: August 2012

Children with Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) are known to have cognitive, social, and behavioral deficits. Fifteen NF1‐subjects (5 boys, 10 girls, mean age = 13.4), and 15 healthy controls matched for age and sex were assessed on the presence of anxiety symptoms, using the Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children (MASC), self‐report questionnaire. Significant group differences emerged with regard to MASC total (Z = −2.058, P = 0.041) and anxiety disorder index (ADI; Z = −2.202, P = 0.026), but not with regard to single scales. When the severity and visibility of NF1 were considered, correlation between severity and social anxiety, and severity and MASC total was found. This is the first study assessing anxiety symptoms in NF1 children and youths. A precocious psychological survey and intervention in NF1 subjects, may contribute to reduce the risk of psychiatric disorders in adulthood. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Particle image velocimetry (PIV) study of rotating cylindrical filters for animal cell perfusion processes
Authors: Figueredo‐Cardero Alvio , Chico Ernesto , Castilho Leda , de Andrade Medronho Ricardo
Published: August 2012

In the present work, the main fluid flow features inside a rotating cylindrical filtration (RCF) system used as external cell retention device for animal cell perfusion processes were investigated using particle image velocimetry (PIV). The motivation behind this work was to provide experimental fluid dynamic data for such turbulent flow using a high‐permeability filter, given the lack of information about this system in the literature. The results shown herein gave evidence that, at the boundary between the filter mesh and the fluid, a slip velocity condition in the tangential direction does exist, which had not been reported in the literature so far. In the RCF system tested, this accounted for a fluid velocity 10% lower than that of the filter tip, which could be important for the cake formation kinetics during filtration. Evidence confirming the existence of Taylor vortices under conditions of turbulent flow and high permeability, typical of animal cell perfusion RCF systems, was obtained. Second‐order turbulence statistics were successfully calculated. The radial behavior of the second‐order turbulent moments revealed that turbulence in this system is highly anisotropic, which is relevant for performing numerical simulations of this system. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2012
Enhanced phytase production from Achromobacter sp. PB‐01 using wheat bran as substrate: Prospective application for animal feed
Authors: Kumar Piyush , Chamoli Shivangi , Agrawal Sanjeev
Published: August 2012

This article deals with the optimization of the various parameters for production of phytase using Achromobacter sp. PB‐01 in submerged fermentation (SmF). A semisynthetic medium containing ingredients of phytase screening media (PSM) supplemented with 2% (w/v) sucrose, 1% (w/v) peptone, and 10% (w/v) wheat bran was found to be the best production medium among the various combinations tried. Among various surfactants added to SmF, Triton X‐100 (0.1%) exhibited a 16% increase in phytase activity. An overall 11.2 fold enhancement in enzyme activity (0.79 U/mL→8.84 U/mL) was attained when SmF was carried out using 0.5% (v/v) inoculum of a 15 h old culture of Achromobacter sp. PB‐01 at an initial pH of 5.5, temperature 30°C and allowed to grow for 48 h. Presence of accessory hydrolytic enzymes in the crude extract further added value as feed additive by mediating efficient degradation of non‐starch polysaccharides (NSP). In addition, we also investigated the efficacy of phytase on different agro‐industrial residues using in vitro experiments that simulated the conditions of the digestive tract. Results indicate that phytase from our source hydrolyze phytate efficiently with the concomitant liberation of inorganic phosphate, protein, reducing sugar, and calcium. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2012
Assembly of Water‐Soluble, Dynamic, Covalent Container Molecules and Their Application in the Room‐Temperature Stabilization of Protoadamantene
Authors: Lin Zhihua , Sun Junling , Efremovska Bisera , Warmuth Ralf
Published: August 2012

The thermodynamically controlled reactions of water‐soluble tetraformylcavitand 2 with two equivalents of H2N(CH2)nNH2 (n=2–4) in the presence of a suitable templating guest give hemicarceplexes 1 a–c⋅guest, the yield of which depends on the match between size and shape of the guest and that of the inner phase. These hemicarceplexes are dynamic and dissociate upon addition of acid and reform upon basification. In water, they exchange guests through temporary hydrolysis of imine bonds. To test 1 b as molecular reaction flask, 3‐noradamantyldiazirine 6 was encapsulated and photolyzed at 350 nm to produce Bredt olefin protoadamantene 5 and 1‐noradamantyldiazomethane 8 in a 4:1 ratio. Encapsulated protoadamantene is stable for days at room temperature in (CD3)2SO/CD3CN (t1/2=5.5 days) and has a lifetime of several minutes in D2O.
Elucidation of the Active Conformation of Vancomycin Dimers with Antibacterial Activity against Vancomycin‐Resistant Bacteria
Authors: Nakamura Jun , Yamashiro Hidenori , Hayashi Sayaka , Yamamoto Mami , Miura Kenji , Xu Shu , Doi Takayuki , Maki Hideki , Yoshida Osamu , Arimoto Hirokazu
Published: August 2012

Covalently linked vancomycin dimers have attracted a great deal of attention among researchers because of their enhanced antibacterial activity against vancomycin‐resistant strains. However, the lack of a clear insight into the mechanisms of action of these dimers hampers rational optimization of their antibacterial potency. Here, we describe the synthesis and antibacterial activity of novel vancomycin dimers with a constrained molecular conformation achieved by two tethers between vancomycin units. Conformational restriction is a useful strategy for studying the relationship between the molecular topology and biological activity of compounds. In this study, two vancomycin units were linked at three distinct positions of the glycopeptide (vancosamine residue (V), C terminus (C), and N terminus (N)) to form two types of novel vancomycin cyclic dimers. Active NC‐VV‐linked dimers with a stable conformation as indicated by molecular mechanics calculations selectively suppressed the peptidoglycan polymerization reaction of vancomycin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus in vitro. In addition, double‐disk diffusion tests indicated that the antibacterial activity of these dimers against vancomycin‐resistant enterococci might arise from the inhibition of enzymes responsible for peptidoglycan polymerization. These findings provide a new insight into the biological targets of vancomycin dimers and the conformational requirements for efficient antibacterial activity against vancomycin‐resistant strains.
Competitive Assay for Theophylline Based on an Abasic Site‐Containing DNA Duplex Aptamer and a Fluorescent Ligand
Authors: Sato Yusuke , Zhang Yushuang , Nishizawa Seiichi , Seino Takehiro , Nakamura Kodai , Li Minjie , Teramae Norio
Published: August 2012

A fluorescence assay for theophylline, one of the common drugs for acute and chronic asthmatic conditions, has been developed based on an abasic site‐containing DNA duplex aptamer (AP aptamer) in combination with an abasic site‐binding fluorescent ligand, riboflavin. The assay is based on the competitive binding of theophylline and riboflavin at the abasic (AP) site of the AP aptamer. In the absence of theophylline, riboflavin binds to the receptor nucleotide opposite the AP site, which leads to fluorescence quenching of the riboflavin. Upon addition of theophylline, competitive binding occurs between theophylline and riboflavin, which results in an effective fluorescence restoration due to release of riboflavin from the AP site. From an examination of the optimization of the AP aptamers, the complex of riboflavin with a 23‐mer AP aptamer (5′‐TCT GCG TCC AGX GCA ACG CAC AC‐3′/5′‐GTG TGC GTT GCC CTG GAC GCA GA‐3′; X: the AP site (Spacer C3, a propylene residue)) possessing cytosine as a receptor nucleotide was found to show a selective and effective fluorescence response to theophylline; the limit of detection for theophylline was 1.1 μM. Furthermore, fluorescence detection of theophylline was successfully demonstrated with high selectivity in serum samples by using the optimized AP aptamer and riboflavin.
Expanding the Scope of PNA‐Encoded Synthesis (PES): Mtt‐Protected PNA Fully Orthogonal to Fmoc Chemistry and a Broad Array of Robust Diversity‐Generating Reactions
Authors: Chouikhi Dalila , Ciobanu Mihai , Zambaldo Claudio , Duplan Vincent , Barluenga Sofia , Winssinger Nicolas
Published: August 2012

Nucleic acid‐encoded libraries are emerging as an attractive and highly miniaturized format for the rapid identification of protein ligands. An important criterion in the synthesis of nucleic acid encoded libraries is the scope of reactions that can be used to introduce molecular diversity and devise divergent pathways for diversity‐oriented synthesis (DOS). To date, the protecting group strategies that have been used in peptide nucleic acid (PNA) encoded synthesis (PES) have limited the choice of reactions used in the library synthesis to just a few prototypes. Herein, we describe the preparation of PNA monomers with a protecting group combination (Mtt/Boc) that is orthogonal to Fmoc‐based synthesis and compatible with a large palette of reactions that have been productively used in DOS (palladium cross‐couplings, metathesis, reductive amination, amidation, heterocycle formation, nucleophilic addition, conjugate additions, Pictet–Spengler cyclization). We incorporate γ‐modifications in the PNA backbone that are known to enhance hybridization and solubility. We demonstrate the robustness of this strategy with a library synthesis that is characterized by MALDI MS analysis at every step.
Additive Effects of Amines on Asymmetric Hydrogenation of Quinoxalines Catalyzed by Chiral Iridium Complexes
Authors: Nagano Takuto , Iimuro Atsuhiro , Schwenk Rino , Ohshima Takashi , Kita Yusuke , Togni Antonio , Mashima Kazushi
Published: August 2012

The additive effects of amines were realized in the asymmetric hydrogenation of 2‐phenylquinoxaline, and its derivatives, catalyzed by chiral cationic dinuclear triply halide‐bridged iridium complexes [{Ir(H)[diphosphine]}2(μ‐X)3]X (diphosphine=(S)‐2,2′‐bis(diphenylphosphino)‐1,1′‐binaphthyl [(S)‐BINAP], (S)‐5,5′‐bis(diphenylphosphino)‐4,4′‐bi‐1,3‐benzodioxole [(S)‐SEGPHOS], (S)‐5,5′‐bis(diphenylphosphino)‐2,2,2′,2′‐tetrafluoro‐4,4′‐bi‐1,3‐benzodioxole [(S)‐DIFLUORPHOS]; X=Cl, Br, I) to produce the corresponding 2‐aryl‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroquinoxalines. The additive effects of amines were investigated by solution dynamics studies of iridium complexes in the presence of N‐methyl‐p‐anisidine (MPA), which was determined to be the best amine additive for achievement of a high enantioselectivity of (S)‐2‐phenyl‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroquinoxaline, and by labeling experiments, which revealed a plausible mechanism comprised of two cycles. One catalytic cycle was less active and less enantioselective; it involved the substrate‐coordinated mononuclear complex [IrHCl2(2‐phenylquinoxaline){(S)‐BINAP}], which afforded half‐reduced product 3‐phenyl‐1,2‐dihydroquinoxaline. A poorly enantioselective disproportionation of this half‐reduced product afforded (S)‐2‐phenyl‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroquinoxaline. The other cycle involved a more active hydride–amide catalyst, derived from amine‐coordinated mononuclear complex [IrCl2H(MPA){(S)‐BINAP}], which functioned to reduce 2‐phenylquinoxaline to (S)‐2‐phenyl‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroquinoxaline with high enantioselectivity. Based on the proposed mechanism, an IrI–JOSIPHOS (JOSIPHOS=(R)‐1‐[(Sp)‐2‐(dicyclohexylphosphino)ferrocenylethyl]diphenylphosphine) catalyst in the presence of amine additive resulted in the highest enantioselectivity for the asymmetric hydrogenation of 2‐phenylquinoxaline. Interestingly, the reaction rate and enantioselectivity were gradually increased during the reaction by a positive‐feedback effect from the product amines.
Retro‐Diels–Alder Approach to the Synthesis of π‐Expanded Azuliporphyrins and Their Porphyrinoid Aromaticity
Authors: Okujima Tetsuo , Kikkawa Tasuku , Nakano Haruyuki , Kubota Hiroshi , Fukugami Nobumasa , Ono Noboru , Yamada Hiroko , Uno Hidemitsu
Published: August 2012

Bicyclo[2.2.2]octadiene (BCOD) fused azuliporphyrins were synthesized by 3+1 porphyrin synthesis of azulitripyrranes with diformylpyrroles. Subsequent retro‐Diels–Alder reaction of the BCOD‐fused azuliporphyrins afforded azulibenzo‐, azulidibenzo‐, and azulitribenzoporphyrins 1–5. NMR and UV/Vis spectra, as well as nucleus‐independent chemical shift (NICS) calculations revealed that 1–5 and their diprotonated dications exhibit relatively low porphyrinoid aromaticity, which was dependent on the position and number of fused benzene rings present.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Oxidative Carbocyclizations
Authors: Deng Youqian , Persson Andreas K. Å. , Bäckvall Jan‐E.
Published: August 2012

Palladium‐catalyzed oxidative carbon–carbon bond‐forming annulations, that is, carbocyclization reactions, have recently emerged as efficient and atom‐economical routes to carbo‐ and heterocycles, whereby less functionalized substrates and fewer synthetic steps are needed to obtain a target molecule compared with traditional non‐oxidative carbon–carbon bond‐forming reactions. In this review, the synthetic efforts in palladium‐catalyzed oxidative carbocyclization reactions are summarized.
Investigations into the Formation and Stability of Cationic Rhodium Diphosphane η6‐Arene Complexes
Authors: Fischer Christian , Thede Richard , Drexler Hans‐Joachim , König Anja , Baumann Wolfgang , Heller Detlef
Published: August 2012

Rhodium–η6‐arene complexes can be generated in the presence of arenes following the hydrogenation of the diolefin in rhodium catalyst precursors of the type [Rh(PP*)(diolefin)]X (PP*=chelating diphosphane, X=noncoordinating anion). In this paper we report the characterization of such arene complexes with the ligands DuPhos, dipamp, dppe, Tangphos, dppf, and diop by means of NMR spectroscopy (31P, 103Rh) and X‐ray analysis. A procedure that follows the approach to equilibrium as a function of time monitored by using an UV/Vis diode array was used to determine 20 stability constants. Analyses were accomplished directly from the spectra by either a numeric and/or a new analytic solution of the underlying system of differential equations. Additionally thermodynamic parameters were determined in the temperature range between 278 and 318 K.