bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Philometra johnii sp. nov. (Nematoda, Philometridae), a new gonad-infecting philometrid from the sin croaker Johnius dussumieri (Cuvier) (Perciformes, Sciaenidae) from marine waters of Iraq
Authors: Moravec František , Ali Atheer 
Published: August 2013

AbstractA new nematode species, Philometra johnii sp. nov. (Philometridae), is described from male and female specimens found in the ovary of the sin croaker, Johnius dussumieri (Cuvier) (Perciformes, Sciaenidae), in the Arabian Gulf, off the southern coast of Iraq. Based on light and scanning electron microscopical examination, the new species differs from all other gonad-infecting Philometra spp. with dorsal lamella-like structures on the distal tip of the gubernaculum in having a dorsal bipartite protuberance formed by two subdorsal lamellated parts separated from each other by a smooth longitudinal field. This gubernaculum structure is unique among all philometrids. Other distinguishing features include the structure of the male tail, number (6 pairs) and arrangement of genital papillae and the length of spicules (102–153 μm). From eight congeneric, gonad-infecting species with unknown males, the new species can be distinguished by some morphological and biometrical features found in gravid females (absence of caudal projections, length of oesophagus, moderately developed anterior oesophageal inflation, length of first-stage larvae) by the host type (fish family) and geographical distribution. Philometra johnii sp. nov. is the fourth known philometrid species recorded from marine waters of Iraq.
Effects of Schistosoma mansoni infection on lutein and β-carotene concentrations in Biomphalaria glabrata snails as determined by quantitative high performance reversed phase thin-layer chromatography
Authors: Dieterich Nicole , Fried Bernard , Sherma Joseph 
Published: August 2013

AbstractHigh performance thin-layer chromatography was used to determine the concentration of β-carotene and lutein in the whole body and digestive gland-gonad complex (DGG) of uninfected Biomphalaria glabrata snails and those infected with Schistosoma mansoni for 6 and 8 weeks. Pigments were extracted from the snails using acetone and separated on EMD Millipore reversed phase C-18 plates with concentration zone using petroleum ether-acetonitrile-methanol (1:1:2) mobile phase. After development, two yellow pigment zones, lutein and β-carotene, were identified with respective R f values of 0.55 and 0.13 and then quantified by densitometry. Statistical analysis of the weight percentages of each pigment showed a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in the concentration of β-carotene in the DGGs of infected B. glabrata at 6 and 8 weeks post-infection compared to the uninfected snails. No significant differences were seen in the concentrations of β-carotene in the whole body of the uninfected versus infected snail samples. Changes in the lutein concentration of the infected DGG and whole snail bodies were insignificant compared to the uninfected controls. In conclusion, larval S. mansoni infection caused a significant decrease in the β-carotene concentration of the DGG at 6 and 8 weeks post infection.
Molecular identification of cryptic species of Ceratomyxa Thélohan, 1892 (Myxosporea: Bivalvulida) including the description of eight novel species from apogonid fishes (Perciformes: Apogonidae) from Australian waters
Authors: Heiniger Holly , Adlard Robert 
Published: August 2013

AbstractCeratomyxa parasites from the gall bladders of 23 species of cardinalfishes (family Apogonidae) from Australian waters were examined for their taxonomic identity and phylogenetic relatedness. We identified 15 of the 23 apogonid fish species infected with species of Ceratomyxa. Although the majority of apogonid species harboured only a single Ceratomyxa species, four were found with multiple species of Ceratomyxa. This study describes eight novel species using a combination of morphological, small subunit ribosomal DNA (SSU rDNA) and biological characters. Six Ceratomyxa species are reported from single apogonid species, while two are reported from multiple host species. Molecular data were critical in identifying several morphologically cryptic species. However, our results suggest that SSU rDNA was not capable of distinguishing all the species present in the current study system and alternative genetic markers should be investigated in the future.
Occurrence and genetic characterization of Toxoplasma gondii in naturally infected pigs
Authors: Turčeková Ľudmila , Antolová Daniela , Reiterová Katarína , Spišák František 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThe protozoan Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite that infects a wide range of warm-blooded vertebrates. The data about the occurrence of toxoplasmosis in slaughter pigs in the Slovak Republic are still missing. The aim of our study was to estimate the prevalence of toxoplasmosis in pigs from Slovakia during the period of 2006–2010 by ELISA and PCR methods. In sera of 970 slaughter pigs, 2.16% seropositivity to T. gondii was detected. In tissue samples of seropositive pigs the presence of T. gondii DNA was confirmed. In six monitored Slovak regions the seropositivity varied between 1.11 and 3.48%. The statistically significant differences were recorded between the Košice and Prešov region. The seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in sows (4.26%) was two times higher than that in slaughter pigs (2.06%) (OR = 2.12; 95% CI = 0.48–9.36). Presence of Toxoplasma gondii in tissues of seropositive pig isolates was confirmed by TGR1E and B1 genes and analysis of DNA polymorphism at SAG2 and ROP1 genes revealed the presence of virulent strain of genotype I in 85.7% of infected pigs and an avirulent strain (genotype II) in 14.3% of pigs.
Influence of debris cover on terminus retreat and mass changes of Chorabari Glacier, Garhwal region, central Himalaya, India
Authors: Dobhal D.P. , Mehta Manish , Srivastava Deepak 
Published: August 2013

AbstractRecent studies of Himalayan glacier recession indicate that there is wide variability in terminus retreat rate and mass balance in the different sectors of the mountain range, primarily linked to the topography and climate of the region. Variable retreat rates of glacier termini and inadequate supporting field data (e.g. mass balance, ice thickness, velocity, etc.) in the Himalayan glaciers make it difficult to develop a coherent picture of climate change impacts. In this study, the results of a detailed mapping campaign and ground-based measurements of ablation rate, terminus retreat and ice loss are reported for the period 2003–10. In addition, background information from an old glacier map (Survey of India, 1962) was compiled and terminus recession measurements were carried out from 1990 field photographs of Chorabari Glacier, central Himalaya. Our ablation stake network results suggest that the influence of debris cover is significant for Chorabari Glacier mass balance and terminus retreat. The terminus survey finds that the glacier is retreating, but at a lower rate than many other non-debriscovered glaciers in the region. The recession and ablation data (particularly in the upper ablation area at higher altitudes) suggest that the ice volume loss of the glaciers is of greater magnitude than the slow terminus retreat and, if the process continues, the lowermost part of the glacier may reduce to a quasi-stationary position while significant ice loss continues.
High-resolution variations in size, number and arrangement of air bubbles in the EPICA DML (Antarctica) ice core
Authors: Bendel Verena , Ueltzhöffer Kai J. , Freitag Johannes , Kipfstuhl Sepp , Kuhs Werner F. , Garbe Christoph S. , Faria Sérgio H. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractWe investigated the large-scale (10–1000 m) and small-scale (mm–cm) variations in size, number and arrangement of air bubbles in the EPICA Dronning Maud Land (EDML) (Antarctica) ice core, down to the end of the bubble/hydrate transition (BHT) zone. On the large scale, the bubble number density shows a general correlation with the palaeo-temperature proxy, δ18O, and the dust concentration, which means that in Holocene ice there are fewer bubbles than in glacial ice. Small-scale variations in bubble number and size were identified and compared. Above the BHT zone there exists a strong anticorrelation between bubble number density and mean bubble size. In glacial ice, layers of high number density and small bubble size are linked with layers with high impurity content, identified as cloudy bands. Therefore, we regard impurities as a controlling factor for the formation and distribution of bubbles in glacial ice. The anticorrelation inverts in the middle of the BHT zone. In the lower part of the BHT zone, bubble-free layers exist that are also associated with cloudy bands. The high contrast in bubble number density in glacial ice, induced by the impurities, indicates a much more pronounced layering in glacial firn than in modern firn.
Myristoylated Derivatives of 2′,3′-didehydro-2′,3′-dideoxythymidine (stavudine) bi-Functional Prodrugs with Potent Anti-HIV-1 Activity and Low Cytotoxicity
Authors: Singh Ramendra K , Miazga Agnieszka , Dąbrowska Aleksandra , Lipniacki Andrzej , Piasek Andrzej , Kulikowski Tadeusz , Shugar David 
Published: August 2013

Background: To improve in vitro antiviral activity and selectivity of stavudine (d4T), a range of its bi-functional prodrugs, 5′- O-myristoylated derivatives, have been synthesized. Methods: Stavudine 5′- O-myristoylated esters were synthesized using modified Parang's procedure. The cytotoxicity and anti-HIV activity was evaluated in the established MT-4 cell line. The level of p24 protein in culture medium was assayed, and EC50 and EC90 values were determined. Results: Excellent anti-HIV activity was obtained for stavudine derivatives 2′,3′-didehydro-2′,3′-dideoxy-5′- O-(11-thioethylundecanoyl) thymidine, 2′,3′-didehydro-2′,3′-dideoxy-5′- O-(12-thioethyldodecanoyl) thymidine and 5′- O-(12-azidododecanoyl)-2′,3′-didehydro-2′,3′-dideoxythymidine with C10 and C11 alkyl chains bearing thioethyl- and azido- substituents. These prodrugs were more potent than the parent stavudine, as is clear from their EC50 values: 2′,3′-didehydro-2′,3′-dideoxy-5′- O-(11-thioethylundecanoyl) thymidine (R=CO(CH2)10SC2H5, EC50 0.06 μM), 2′,3′-didehydro-2′,3′-dideoxy-5′- O-(12-thioethyldodecanoyl) thymidine (R=CO(CH2)11SC2H5, EC50 0.09 μM) and 5′- O-(12-azidododecanoyl)-2′,3′-didehydro-2′,3′-dideoxythymidine (R=CO(CH2)11N3, EC50 0.06 μM), while 50% cytotoxic concentration was >16.65 μM, >7.5 μM and >18.53 μM, respectively. Conclusions: Overall data demonstrate that compounds 2′,3′-didehydro-2′,3′-dideoxy-5′- O-(11-thioethylundecanoyl) thymidine, 2′,3′-didehydro-2′,3′-dideoxy-5′- O-(12-thioethyldodecanoyl) thymidine and 5′- O-(12-azidododecanoyl)-2′,3′-didehydro-2′,3′-dideoxythymidine are very potent and selective anti-HIV agents and could be useful in treatment of HIV infections of the central nervous system.
The effect of landscape structure and habitat composition on the presence of the threatened parasitic sand-living beetleApalus bimaculatus(Coleoptera: Meloidae)
Authors: Ahlbäck Lina , Berggren Åsa 
Published: August 2013

AbstractApalus bimaculatus(Linnaeus) (Coleoptera: Meloidae) is a beetle currently managed for conservation in Sweden. The species inhabits at-risk ephemeral and patchily distributed sandy habitats. However, little is known about its ecology and the factors important for its distribution. We censused 158 discrete sand patches within 31 potential sites forA. bimaculatusand examined which environmental variables predicted the probability of finding the beetle.Apalus bimaculatuswas found at 17 sites, its presence at sand-patch scale was positively correlated with sand-patch area, sand temperature, and medium-sized sand grains. Although the beetle is assumed to be a parasite on the solitary bee,Colletes cunicularius(Linnaeus) (Hymenoptera: Colletidae), presence of the bee was a very weak predictor forA. bimaculatus, while other sand-living Hymenoptera were a strong predictor. At site-level scale, the beetle was positively correlated with total amount of sandy habitat and presence of sand-living Hymenoptera. Our study suggests that management strategies for this species should not consider sandy habitats equally. Rather, management efforts should focus on maintaining sites with larger total sandy areas, creating larger sand patches with medium-grained sand and a high degree of sun exposure. We also highlight that biotic interactions between the beetle and sand-living Hymenoptera are still poorly understood but potentially important for successfulA. bimaculatusmanagement.
Dissection of the Human Multipotent Adult Progenitor Cell Secretome by Proteomic Analysis
Authors: Burrows Gregory G. , van't Hof Wouter , Newell Laura F. , Reddy Ashok , Wilmarth Phillip A. , David Larry L. , Raber Amy , Bogaerts Annelies , Pinxteren Jef , Deans Robert J. , Maziarz Richard T. 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Multipotent adult progenitor cells (MAPCs) are adult adherent stromal stem cells currently being assessed in acute graft versus host disease clinical trials with demonstrated immunomodulatory capabilities and the potential to ameliorate detrimental autoimmune and inflammation-related processes. Our previous studies documented that MAPCs secrete factors that play a role in regulating T-cell activity. Here we expand our studies using a proteomics approach to characterize and quantify MAPC secretome components secreted over 72 hours in vitro under steady-state conditions and in the presence of the inflammatory triggers interferon-γ and lipopolysaccharide, or a tolerogenic CD74 ligand, RTL1000. MAPCs differentially responded to each of the tested stimuli, secreting molecules that regulate the biological activity of the extracellular matrix (ECM), including proteins that make up the ECM itself, proteins that regulate its construction/deconstruction, and proteins that serve to attach and detach growth factors from ECM components for redistribution upon appropriate stimulation. MAPCs secreted a wide array of proteases, some detectable in their zymogen forms. MAPCs also secreted protease inhibitors that would regulate protease activity. MAPCs secreted chemokines and cytokines that could provide molecular guidance cues to various cell types, including neutrophils, macrophages, and T cells. In addition, MAPCs secreted factors involved in maintenance of a homeostatic environment, regulating such diverse programs as innate immunity, angiogenesis/angiostasis, targeted delivery of growth factors, and the matrix-metalloprotease cascade.
Asymmetric Organocatalytic Cascade Michael/Hemiketalization/Retro‐Aldol Reaction of 2‐[(E)‐2‐Nitrovinyl]phenols with 2,4‐Dioxo‐4‐arylbutanoates: A Convenient Access to Chiral α‐Keto Esters
Authors: Liu Yunting , Wang Youming , Song Haibin , Zhou Zhenghong , Tang Chuchi 
Published: August 2013

AbstractAn unprecedented organocatalytic enantioselective cascade Michael/hemiketalization/retro‐aldol reaction of 2‐[(E)‐2‐nitrovinyl]phenols and 2,4‐dioxo‐4‐arylbutanoates is described. With a bifunctional squaramide catalyst incorporating (1R,2R)‐1,2‐diphenylethane‐1,2‐diamine, the reactions afford products in 75–99% yields with 80–98% ee. This process provides an enantioselective pathway for the synthesis of chiral α‐keto esters, precursors of 3‐arylproline derivatives, δ‐amino α‐keto acids or cyclic α‐keto lactams.magnified image
Synthesis and characterization of diphenyl quinoline and bromine‐activated diphenyl quinoline organic phosphors
Authors: Pimpalshende D. M. , Dhoble S. J. 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTA diphenyl quinoline (DPQ)‐conjugated derivative and bromine‐activated DPQ (Br‐DPQ) were synthesized in an inert gas atmosphere at 140 °C using Friedlander condensation. The compounds showed blue emission under a UV source. The structures were characterized by X‐ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The photoluminescence properties of the compounds were analysed using excitation and emission spectra. The synthesized organic phosphors shows bright emission in the blue region, with peaks at 445 and 453 nm, respectively, for DPQ and Br‐DPQ in the powder form. The physical and photoluminescence properties of these organic compounds reveal promising blue emitters for high‐efficiency organic light‐emitting diodes. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bioanalysis of tolvaptan, a novel AVP‐V2 receptor antagonist in human plasma by a novel LC‐ESI‐MS/MS method: a pharmacokinetic application in healthy South Indian male subjects
Authors: Derangula Venkata Ramu , Pilli Nageswara Rao , Bhukya Babu Rao , Pulipati Chalapathi Rao , Adireddy Vinayender , Ponneri Venkateswarlu 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTA simple, rapid and sensitive liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐ESI‐MS/MS) assay method is proposed for the determination of tolvaptan in human plasma samples using tolvaptan d7 as internal standard (IS). Analyte and the IS were extracted from 100 μL of human plasma via simple liquid–liquid extraction. The chromatographic separation was achieved on a C18 column using a mixture of methanol and 0.1% formic acid buffer (80:20, v/v) as the mobile phase at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. The calibration curve obtained was linear (r2 ≥ 0.99) over the concentration range of 0.05–501 ng/mL. Method validation was performed as per US Food and Drug Administration guidelines and the results met the acceptance criteria. The intra‐day and inter‐day precision (coefficient of variation) and accuracy results in three validation batches across five concentration levels were well within the acceptance limits. A run time of 2.0 min for each sample made it possible to analyze more samples in a short time, thus increasing the productivity. The proposed method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study of 15 mg and 60 mg tolvaptan tablet formulation in healthy South Indian male subjects under fasting condition. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reversible Pore Size Control of Elastic Microporous Material by Mechanical Force
Authors: Ito Masashi , Nishihara Hirotomo , Yamamoto Kentaro , Itoi Hiroyuki , Tanaka Hideki , Maki Akira , Miyahara Minoru T. , Yang Seung Jae , Park Chong Rae , Kyotani Takashi 
Published: August 2013

AbstractNanoporous materials, such as zeolites, activated carbons, and metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), are peculiar platforms in which a variety of guest molecules are stored, reacted, and/or separated. The size of the nanopores is essential to realize advanced functions. In this work, we demonstrate a very simple but innovative method for the control of nanopore size, that is, reversible and continuous control by mechanical force loaded to soft nanoporous materials. The elastic properties of several microporous materials, including zeolites, zeolite‐templated carbon (ZTC), activated carbon, and MOFs (e.g., ZIF‐8), are examined and it is found that ZTC is a material that is suitable for the aforementioned idea thanks to its extraordinary soft properties compared to the others. The original pore size of ZTC (1.2 nm) can be contracted to 0.85 nm by using a relatively weak loading force of 135 MPa, whereas the other microporous materials barely contracted. To demonstrate the change in the physical properties induced by such artificial deformation, in situ gas adsorption measurements were performed on ZTC with and without loading mechanical force, by using CO2, CH4, and H2, as adsorbates. Upon the contraction by loading 69 or 135 MPa, CO2 adsorption amount is increased, due to the deepening of the physisorption potential well inside the micropores, as proved by the increase of the heat of adsorption. Moreover, the adsorption amount is completely restored to the original one after releasing the mechanical force, indicating the fully reversible contraction/recovery of the ZTC framework against mechanical force. The experimental results are theoretically supported by a simulation using Grand Canonical Monte Carlo method. The similar adsorption enhancement is observed also on CH4, whereas H2 is found as an exception due to the weak interaction potential.
Decarboxylative Palladium(II)‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Aryl Amidines from Aryl Carboxylic Acids: Development and Mechanistic Investigation
Authors: Rydfjord Jonas , Svensson Fredrik , Trejos Alejandro , Sjöberg Per J. R. , Sköld Christian , Sävmarker Jonas , Odell Luke R. , Larhed Mats 
Published: August 2013

AbstractA fast and convenient synthesis of aryl amidines starting from carboxylic acids and cyanamides is reported. The reaction was achieved by palladium(II)‐catalysis in a one‐step microwave protocol using [Pd(O2CCF3)2], 6‐methyl‐2,2′‐bipyridyl and trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) in N‐methylpyrrolidinone (NMP), providing the corresponding aryl amidines in moderate to excellent yields. The protocol is very robust with regards to the cyanamide coupling partner but requires electron‐rich ortho‐substituted aryl carboxylic acids. Mechanistic insight was provided by a DFT investigation and direct ESI‐MS studies of the reaction. The results of the DFT study correlated well with the experimental findings and, together with the ESI‐MS study, support the suggested mechanism. Furthermore, a scale‐out (scale‐up) was performed with a non‐resonant microwave continuous‐flow system, achieving a maximum throughput of 11 mmol h−1 by using a glass reactor with an inner diameter of 3 mm at a flow rate of 1 mL min−1.
Chiral Ditopic Cyclophosphazane (CycloP) Ligands: Synthesis, Coordination Chemistry, and Application in Asymmetric Catalysis
Authors: Roth Torsten , Wadepohl Hubert , Wright Dominic S. , Gade Lutz H. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractA series of dichlorocyclophosphazanes [{ClP(μ‐NR)}2] containing chiral and achiral R groups was obtained from simple commercially available amines and PCl3. Their condensation reactions with axially chiral biaryl diols yielded ansa‐bridged chiral cyclophosphazane (CycloP) ligands. This highly modular methodology allows extensive elaboration of the ligand set, in which the chirality can be introduced at the diol bridge and/or the amido R group. This provides the possibility to observe match and mismatch effects in catalysis. A series of twenty CycloP ligands was synthesized and characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, HRMS, elemental analysis, and in selected cases, single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. These studies show that all of the ditopic CycloP ligands are C2 symmetric, rendering their metal coordination sites symmetry equivalent. Two well‐established enantioselective reactions were explored by using late‐transition metal CycloP complexes as catalysts; the gold‐catalyzed hydroamination of γ‐allenyl sulfonamides and the asymmetric nickel‐catalyzed three‐component coupling of a diene and an aldehyde. The steric demands of the CycloP ligands have a subtle influence on the reactivity and selectivity observed in both reactions. Good enantiomeric ratios (e.r.) as high as 89:11 in the gold‐catalyzed reaction and 92:8 in the nickel‐catalyzed bis‐homoallylation reaction were observed.