bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis, Characterization and Combined Superoxide Dismutase and Catalase Activities of Manganese Complexes of 1,4‐Bis(salicylidenamino)butan‐2‐ol
Authors: Daier Verónica , Moreno Diego , Duhayon Carine , Tuchagues Jean‐Pierre , Signorella Sandra
Published: January 2010

Two MnIVcomplexes of general formula [Mn(salbutO)X] [H3salbutO = 1,4‐bis(salicylidenamino)butan‐2‐ol,1: X = N3,2: X = SCN] have been prepared and structurally characterized. The crystal structure of1shows that salbutO3–acts as a pentadentate ligand through the two phenolato‐O, two imino‐N, and one alcoholato‐Oatoms, and the sixth coordination position is occupied by the azido‐Natom, resulting in a slightly distorted N3O3donor set around the MnIVion. ESI‐MS, UV/Vis, and1H NMR spectroscopy were used for solution studies. In methanol and dmf, the starting complexes are converted into [MnIII(salbutO)] and its dimeric form. TheE1/2of MnIII/MnIV(ca. 0.4 V vs. Ag/AgCl) allows this couple to efficiently catalyze the dismutation of O2·–with catalytic rate constant and IC50values of 1.91 × 106M–1 s–1and 1.43 μM, respectively, which were obtained through the nitro blue tetrazolium photoreduction inhibition SOD assay, in aqueous solution of pH 7.8. The Mn‐salbutO complexes also show catalase activity in methanol and dmf, withkcat= 1.6M–2 s–1and 5.6M–1 s–1, respectively, an advantageous property for acting as scavenger of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This valuable conjunction of properties results from the conversion of [MnIV(salbutO)X] into [MnIII(salbutO)]2in equilibrium with its monomer [MnIII(salbutO)].
A Simple Synthesis of Functionalized 3‐Bromocoumarins by a One‐Pot Three‐Component Reaction
Authors: Audisio Davide , Messaoudi Samir , Brion Jean‐Daniel , Alami Mouâd
Published: January 2010

Functionalized 3‐bromocoumarins 2 have been prepared by a simple one‐pot bromination/Wittig/cyclization tandem process from methyl (triphenylphosphoranylidene)acetate, N‐bromosuccinimide and a series of 2‐hydroxybenzaldehydes. Owing to the commercial availability of salicylaldehyde derivatives, this approach offers such a diverse range of compounds that it fulfills the recent demand for the generation of large combinatorial chemical libraries based on the coumarin scaffold.
Synthesis of Functionalized Hydropentalenes by an Asymmetric Deprotonation/Alkylation Strategy
Authors: Lutz Vanessa , Baro Angelika , Fischer Peter , Laschat Sabine
Published: January 2010

The functionalization of differently substituted hydropentalenone derivatives 9, derived from the Weiss diketone (8) by enantioselective deprotonation in the presence of lithium (R,R)‐bis(1‐phenylethyl)amide/LiCl (11·LiCl) as the chiral base is described. In the first route the resulting enolate was treated directly with alkyl halides as electrophiles to give the target α‐alkylhydropentalenones 12, whereas in the second route the enolate was trapped as one of the triethylsilyl enol ethers 17, from which the enolate was regenerated by treatment with MeLi prior to alkylation with alkyl halides. The substituents on 9 seemed to influence which strategy is favored: for the OTBS‐substituted hydropentalenone 9a the direct deprotonation/alkylation is preferred, whereas for the acetal‐substituted hydropentalenone 9b the silyl enol ether route is more suitable. In all cases the α‐alkylated hydropentalenones 12 and 15 were isolated with good diastereoselectivities.
Synthesis and Spectroscopic Characterization of the First Symmetrically and Nonsymmetrically Substituted Fluorinated Emerald‐Green Trannulenes C60F15R3 Soluble in Polar Media and Water
Authors: Troshin Pavel A. , Khakina Ekaterina A. , Zhilenkov Alexander V. , Peregudov Alexander S. , Troshina Olesya A. , Kozlovskii Viacheslav I. , Polyakova Natalya V. , Lyubovskaya Rimma N.
Published: January 2010

The first water‐soluble C3v‐symmetrical trannulene derivatives of fluorofullerene C60F18 possessing six carboxylic or ammonium ion groups have been synthesized and spectrally characterized. The stability of emerald‐green aqueous solutions of these compounds was investigated. A novel synthetic route was developed for a step‐by‐step derivatization of C60F18 with different organic C–H acids that yielded nonsymmetrically substituted C60F15R2R′ trannulenes. The synthesized trannulenes were loaded with polar carboxylic groups that improved greatly the solubility of these compounds in aqueous media. We showed that four solubilizing COOH groups could be introduced onto the fullerene cage of C60F15R2R′ trannulenes with R substituents and then some additional organic functionality could be attached independently with R′. The R′ substituent might potentially comprise a ligand responsible for selective targeting of the whole trannulene molecule to some specific tissues or intracellular structures. The demonstrated loading of the fluorofullerene core with polar carboxylic or ammonium groups might be considered as an important step towards the design of sophisticated water‐soluble trannulene‐based assembles for biomedical applications.
Efficient Synthesis of Glycoporphyrins by Microwave‐Mediated “Click” Reactions
Authors: Locos Oliver B. , Heindl Claudia C. , Corral Ariadna , Senge Mathias O. , Scanlan Eoin M.
Published: January 2010

The CuI‐catalysed Huisgen cycloaddition “click” reaction has been applied to the synthesis of a range of triazole‐linked glycoporphyrins. The “click” reaction under microwave‐heating conditions has been shown to provide a general and robust methodology for the synthesis of mono‐, di‐, tri‐ and tetra‐modified glycoporphyrins. A sequential “double‐click” process was employed to access a new class of bis‐modified 5,10‐diglycoporphyrins displaying heterogeneous carbohydrates.
Boron‐Doped Diamond Electrode Coupled to Liquid Chromatography: Application to Simultaneous Determination of Benzodiazepines
Authors: Martins Isarita , de Souza Canaes Larissa , Doretto Keity Margareth , Rath Susanne
Published: January 2010

The applicability of boron‐doped diamond (BDD) as a working electrode in an amperometric cell, coupled to HPLC, was demonstrated, for determining benzodiazepines in pharmaceutical preparations. The separation of the benzodiazepines was achieved using a Waters XTerra RP18 column (250×4.6 mm, 5 μm) with a mobile phase sodium phosphate (pH 3.5; 0.10 mol L−1)‐acetonitrile (65 : 35, v/v) at flow of 1.2 mL min−1. The measurements were performed in a system 871 Advanced Bioscan (Metrohm) with a BDD (8000 ppm) adapted to the thin layer mode cell. Stainless steel and platinum wire were used as reference and auxiliary electrodes, respectively. The cell was operated in pulse mode, using −1.9 V as initial potential. The method presented linearity, repeatability and ruggedness and it represents a novel, alternative electroanalytical method for benzodiazepines determination.
Electrochemically Induced Uptake and Release of Iron by Recombinant Horse H‐Chain Ferritin Covalently Immobilized on 6‐Mercaptohexanoic Acid Modified Gold Electrodes
Authors: Scott Brandon L. , Zapien Donald C.
Published: January 2010

Ferritin composed entirely of the H‐chain subunit (rHF) was studied to determine whether electrochemical potential alone could induce rHF to take up or release iron. Horse rHF was expressed in E. coli, purified, and covalently immobilized on a self‐assembled monolayer of 6‐mercaptohexanoic acid on gold electrodes. Cyclic voltammetry was used to show that iron was released from rHF following electrochemical reduction, and iron uptake was induced by applying an oxidizing potential to rHF in the presence of ferrous ion.
A Comparison of Membrane Inlet Mass Spectrometry and Nitric Oxide (NO) Electrode Techniques to Detect NO in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Tu Chingkuang , Scafa Nikki , Zhang Xueji , Silverman David N.
Published: January 2010

The NO electrode and membrane inlet mass spectrometry (MIMS) have the advantage of being sensitive, direct, and real time detectors of NO in aqueous solution. They do not require reacting NO with labels or purging of NO with an inert gas. We show that the NO electrode and MIMS are comparable in sensitivity detecting NO concentrations to 0.5 nM in aqueous solution, and both give identical results in a biological measurement, the reactions of deoxyhemoglobin with nitrite.
Numerical modeling of sloshing motion in a tuned liquid damper outfitted with a submerged slat screen
Authors: Maravani Morteza , Hamed M. S.
Published: January 2010

Tuned liquid dampers (TLDs) are among the most economical and effective passive damping devices. They have been increasingly used to reduce dynamic response and protect structures from failure due to external dynamic excitations. Slat screens are one of the most effective devices used to increase the inherent damping of a TLD, and to reduce the non‐linearity of the free surface motion. A numerical algorithm has been developed to solve the complete non‐linear, moving boundary flow problem in a TLD outfitted with slat screens. The model has been developed to handle conditions leading from small to large interfacial deformations without imposing any linearization assumptions. The numerical algorithm is based on the finite‐difference method. The free surface has been determined using the volume‐of‐fluid method and the donor–acceptor algorithm. The effect of the slat screens has been modeled explicitly by using the partial‐cell treatment method. The present algorithm has been validated against experimental data. The results indicated that the present algorithm is capable of providing accurate details of the flow field inside the TLD and through the screens. These details are essential to improve our understanding of the important parameters governing the performance of a TLD, and hence, to enhance our ability to design better TLDs. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of a multi‐scale ocean model by using particle Laplacian method for anisotropic mass transfer
Authors: Jeong Se‐min , Sato Toru , Chen Baixin , Tabeta Shigeru
Published: January 2010

The direct injection of CO2 into the deep ocean is one of the feasible ways for the mitigation of the global warming, although there is a concern about its environmental impact near the injection point. To minimize its biological impact, it is necessary to make CO2 disperse as quickly as possible, and it is said that injection with a pipe towed by a moving ship is effective for this purpose. Because the injection ship moves over a spatial scale of O(102km), a mesoscale model is necessary to analyse the dispersion of CO2. At the same time, since it is important to investigate high CO2 concentration near the injection point, a small‐scale model is also required. Therefore, in this study, a numerical model was developed to analyse CO2 dispersion in the deep ocean by using a fixed mesoscale and a moving small‐scale grid systems, the latter of which is nested and moves in the former along the trajectory of the moving ship. To overcome the artificial diffusion of mass concentration at the interface of the two different grid systems and to keep its spatial accuracy almost the same as that in the small‐scale, a particle Laplacian method was adopted and newly modified for anisotropic diffusion in the ocean. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Executive deficits and regional brain metabolism in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Woo Benjamin K. P. , Harwood Dylan G. , Melrose Rebecca J. , Mandelkern Mark A. , Campa Olivia M. , Walston Amy , Sultzer David L.
Published: January 2010

Objective

Executive deficits are common in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), contribute prominently to clinical disability, and may be associated with frontal lobe pathology. This study examined regional brain hypometabolism associated with executive dysfunction in patients with AD.

Methods

Forty‐one patients with probable AD underwent [18F] fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) imaging at rest. Neuropsychological measures of executive control included the Conceptualization (Conc) and Initiation/Perseveration (I/P) subscales of the Mattis Dementia Rating Scale (DRS), the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) Similarities subtest, the Tower test, and the Ruff Figural Fluency test (Ruff). Voxel‐based analyses were conducted using statistical parametric mapping (SPM2) to measure the correlation between regional cerebral metabolism and executive measures. Correlations independent of global cognitive impairment were identified by including Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) score as a covariate in the model.

Results

Executive deficits, as measured by poor performances on the DRS I/P and Conc subscales, were associated with hypometabolism in the bilateral mid‐dorsolateral frontal region. Activity in posterior cortical regions also contributed uniquely to some aspects of executive functioning, as lower resting metabolism in parietal or temporal cortex was correlated with poor performance on four of the five executive measures. After controlling for global cognitive score, there were significant extra‐frontal correlations with hypometabolism in insula, occipital lobe, and temporal cortex.

Conclusions

Some but not all executive deficits in AD are associated with neural activity in the dorsolateral frontal cortex. Activities in distributed neural systems that include parietal and temporal cortex also contribute to some executive abilities. The pathophysiology of executive dysfunction is complex and includes abnormalities not limited to a single region. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Highly selective synthesis of 1‐phenylpentane‐1, 4‐diones, and (E)‐5‐hydroxy‐5‐phenylpent‐3‐en‐2‐ones catalyzed by organophosphorus compounds
Authors: Zhang Qing , Qiao Yan‐Fei , Huang Min , Liang Hong‐Dong , Zhou Ru‐Jin
Published: January 2010

1‐Phenylpentane‐1, 4‐diones, and (E)‐5‐hydroxy‐5‐phenylpent‐3‐en‐2‐ones were synthesized via organophosphine‐catalyzed addition reaction of but‐3‐en‐2‐one with aldehydes. The features of the present protocols include high selectivity, operational simplicity, atom economy, and mild reaction conditions without transition metals. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 20:425–430, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/hc.20568
Tensin 2 modulates cell contractility in 3D collagen gels through the RhoGAP DLC1
Authors: Clark Katherine , Howe Jonathan D. , Pullar Christine E. , Green J. Angelo , Artym Vira V. , Yamada Kenneth M. , Critchley David R.
Published: January 2010

Cytoskeletal proteins of the tensin family couple integrins to the actin cytoskeleton. They are found in both focal adhesions and the fibrillar adhesions formed between cells and the fibronectin matrix. There are four tensin genes which encode three large (∼200 kDa) tensin isoforms (tensin 1, 2, 3) and one short isoform (cten). However, the subcellular localization and function of the individual isoforms is poorly understood. Using human foreskin fibroblasts (HFFs), and imaging on both fixed and live cells, we show that GFP‐tensin 2 is enriched in dynamic focal adhesions at the leading edge of the cell, whereas GFP‐tensin 3 translocates rearward, and is enriched in fibrillar adhesions. To investigate the possible role of tensins in cell‐matrix remodeling, we used siRNAs to knockdown each tensin isoform. We discovered that tensin 2 knockdown significantly reduced the ability of HFFs to contract 3D collagen gels, whilst no effect on fibronectin fibrillogenesis was observed. This inhibition of collagen gel contraction was associated with a substantial reduction in Rho activity, and it was reversed by depletion of DLC1, a RhoGAP that binds to tensin in focal adhesions. These findings suggest that focal adhesion‐localized tensin 2 negatively regulates DLC1 to permit Rho‐mediated actomyosin contraction and remodeling of collagen fibers. J. Cell. Biochem. 109: 808–817, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Wnt signaling in hematopoiesis: Crucial factors for self‐renewal, proliferation, and cell fate decisions
Authors: Staal Frank J.T. , Luis Tiago C.
Published: January 2010

A large number of studies from many different laboratories have implicated the Wnt signaling pathway in regulation of hematopoiesis. However, different inducible gain‐ and loss‐of‐function approaches yielded controversial and some times contradictory results. In this prospect we will review the current ideas on Wnt signaling in hematopoiesis and early lymphopoiesis. Reviewing this large body of knowledge let us to hypothesize that different levels of activation of the pathway, dosages of Wnt signaling required and the interference by other signals in the context of Wnt activation collectively explain these controversies. Besides differences in dosage, differences in biological function of Wnt proteins in various blood cell types also is a major factor to take into account. Our own work has shown that while in the thymus Wnt signaling provides cytokine‐like, proliferative stimuli to developing thymocytes, canonical Wnt signaling in HSC regulates cell fate decisions, in particular self‐renewal versus differentiation. J. Cell. Biochem. 109: 844–849, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Capsaicin induces apoptosis through ubiquitin–proteasome system dysfunction
Authors: Maity Ranjan , Sharma Jaiprakash , Jana Nihar Ranjan
Published: January 2010

Capsaicin is an active component of red pepper having an antiproliferative effect in a variety of cancer cells, which recent evidence suggests due to its ability to induce apoptosis. However, the molecular mechanisms through which capsaicin induces apoptosis are not well understood. Here we demonstrate that capsaicin‐induced apoptosis is mediated via the inhibition cellular proteasome function. Treatment of capsaicin to mouse neuro 2a cells results in the inhibition of proteasome activity in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner that seems to correlate with its effect on cell death. The effect of capsaicin on cellular proteasome function is indirect and probably mediated via the generation of oxidative stress. Exposure of capsaicin also causes increased accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins as wells as various target substrates of proteasome like p53 and Bax and p27. Like many other classical proteasome inhibitors, capsaicin also triggers the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis involving mitochondria and induces neurite outgrowth. Our results strongly support for the use of capsaicin as an anticancer drug. J. Cell. Biochem. 109: 933–942, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Spatial insulin signalling in isolated skeletal muscle preparations
Authors: Sogaard Peter , Szekeres Ferenc , Garcia‐Roves Pablo M. , Larsson Dennis , Chibalin Alexander V. , Zierath Juleen R.
Published: January 2010

During in vitro incubation in the absence or presence of insulin, glycogen depletion occurs in the inner core of the muscle specimen, concomitant with increased staining of hypoxia‐induced‐factor‐1‐alpha and caspase‐3, markers of hypoxia and apoptosis, respectively. The aim of this study was to determine whether insulin is able to diffuse across the entire muscle specimen in sufficient amounts to activate signalling cascades to promote glucose uptake and glycogenesis within isolated mouse skeletal muscle. Phosphoprotein multiplex assay on lysates from muscle preparation was performed to detect phosphorylation of insulin‐receptor on Tyr1146, Akt on Ser473 and glycogen‐synthases‐kinase‐3 on Ser21/Ser9. To address the spatial resolution of insulin signalling, immunohistochemistry studies on cryosections were performed. Our results provide evidence to suggest that during the in vitro incubation, insulin sufficiently diffuses into the centre of tubular mouse muscles to promote phosphorylation of these signalling events. Interestingly, increased insulin signalling was observed in the core of the incubated muscle specimens, correlating with the location of oxidative fibres. In conclusion, insulin action was not restricted due to insufficient diffusion of the hormone during in vitro incubation in either extensor digitorum longus or soleus muscles from mouse under the specific experimental settings employed in this study. Hence, we suggest that the glycogen depleted core as earlier observed is not due to insufficient insulin action. J. Cell. Biochem. 109: 943–949, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hydrogen peroxide induces p16INK4a through an AUF1‐dependent manner
Authors: Guo Gai E , Ma Li Wei , Jiang Bin , Yi Jie , Tong Tan Jun , Wang Wen Gong
Published: January 2010

Elevation of p16INK4a has been described as an important mechanism for hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)‐induced replicative senescence. However, the mechanisms underlying remain unknown. In this study, we demonstrate an important role of RNA‐binding protein AUF1‐mediated mRNA turnover in H2O2‐induced p16INK4a expression. The induction of p16 by H2O2 was accompanied with declined cytoplasmic AUF1 level. Accordingly, exposure of cells to H2O2 remarkably reduced the binding of AUF1 to p16 3′UTR and increased the half‐life of an EGFP‐p16‐3′UTR chimeric transcript. In AUF1‐silenced cells, the effect of H2O2 on p16 induction was abolished. Furthermore, in cells co‐transfected with vectors expressing AUF1s, treatment with H2O2 failed to significantly reduce the expression of AUF1 and subsequently elevate the levels of p16. Moreover, HeLa cells overexpressing AUF1s were resistant to H2O2‐induced senescence. Our results indicate that AUF1 is critical for H2O2‐induced p16 expression and cellular senescence. J. Cell. Biochem. 109: 1000–1005, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization of ATP‐induced cell death in the GL261 mouse glioma
Authors: Tamajusuku Alessandra S.K. , Villodre Emilly S. , Paulus Romela , Coutinho‐Silva Robson , Battasstini Ana M.O. , Wink Márcia R. , Lenz Guido
Published: January 2010

Gliomas have one of the worst prognosis among cancers. Their resistance to cell death induced by endogenous neurotoxic agents, such as extracellular ATP, seems to play an important role in their pathobiology since alterations in the degradation rate of extracellular ATP drastically affects glioma growth in rats. In the present work we characterized the mechanisms of cell death induced by extracellular ATP in a murine glioma cell line, GL261. ATP and BzATP, a P2X7 agonist, induced cell death at concentrations that are described to activate the P2X7 receptor in mouse. oATP, an antagonist of P2X7, blocked the ATP‐induced cell death. Agonists of purinergic receptors expressed in GL261 such as adenosine, ADP, UTP did not cause any cell death, even at mM concentrations. A sub‐population of cells more sensitive to ATP expressed more P2X7 when compared to a less sensitive subpopulation. Accordingly, RNA interference of the P2X7 receptor drastically reduced ATP‐induced cell death, suggesting that this receptor is necessary for this effect. The mechanism of ATP‐induced cell death is predominantly necrotic, since cells presented shrinkage accompanied by membrane permeabilization, but not apoptotic, since no phosphatidylserine externalization or caspase activity was observed. These data show the importance of P2X7 in ATP‐induced cell death and shed light on the importance of ATP‐induced cell death in glioma development. J. Cell. Biochem. 109: 983–991, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Activation and induction of cytosolic phospholipase A2by IL‐1β in human tracheal smooth muscle cells: Role of MAPKs/p300 and NF‐κB
Authors: Lee Chiang‐Wen , Lee I‐Ta , Lin Chih‐Chung , Lee Hui‐Chun , Lin Wei‐Ning , Yang Chuen‐Mao
Published: January 2010

Cytosolic phospholipase A2(cPLA2) plays a pivotal role in mediating agonist‐induced arachidonic acid (AA) release for prostaglandin (PG) synthesis during inflammation triggered by IL‐1β. However, the mechanisms underlying IL‐1β‐induced cPLA2expression and PGE2synthesis in human tracheal smooth muscle cells (HTSMCs) remain unknown. IL‐1β‐induced cPLA2protein and mRNA expression, PGE2production, or phosphorylation of p42/p44 MAPK, p38 MAPK, and JNK1/2, which was attenuated by pretreatment with the inhibitors of MEK1/2 (U0126), p38 MAPK (SB202190), and JNK1/2 (SP600125) or transfection with siRNAs of MEK1, p42, p38, and JNK2. IL‐1β‐induced cPLA2expression was also inhibited by pretreatment with a NF‐κB inhibitor, helenalin or transfection with siRNA of NIK, IKKα, or IKKβ. IL‐β‐induced NF‐κB translocation was blocked by pretreatment with helenalin, but not U0126, SB202190, and SP600125. In addition, transfection with p300 siRNA blocked cPLA2expression induced by IL‐1β. Moreover, p300 was associated with the cPLA2promoter, which was dynamically linked to histone H4 acetylation stimulated by IL‐1β. These results suggest that in HTSMCs, activation of MAPKs, NF‐κB, and p300 are essential for IL‐1β‐induced cPLA2expression and PGE2secretion. J. Cell. Biochem. 109: 1045–1056, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Kinetic characterization and modeling simplification of an anaerobic sulfate reducing batch process
Authors: Torner‐Morales Francisco J. , Buitrón Germán
Published: January 2010

BACKGROUND: A series of kinetic experiments for a sulfate reducing process was carried out in a batch laboratory reactor that allowed simplification of a model initially proposed for this system enabling establishment of the kinetic parameters.

RESULTS: It was found that an incomplete oxidation of lactate is the most significant bio‐reaction occurring in the reactor; this fact led to model simplifications that allowed determination of the kinetic parameters. Sulfide and pH inhibition can be described using one inhibition term within the model equation, given the fact that sulfide inhibition is not present in the system. Kinetic parameters were obtained, yielding a maximum specific rate (µmax/Y) of 2.17 ± 0.08 mg sulfate mg−1 VSS min−1. A zero‐order kinetics with respect to sulfate and a Monod affinity constant of 142.7 ± 64.9 mg L−1 for the lactate were found.

CONCLUSIONS: The final model for the process can be described by a single Monod term involving the lactate. This model resulted from the lack of sulfide inhibition in the system and the predominance of the partial lactate oxidation to acetate reaction over the complete lactate and acetate oxidation. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
A two liquid phase partitioning bioreactor system for the biodegradation of pyrene: Comparative evaluation and cost–benefit analysis
Authors: Mahanty Biswanath , Pakshirajan Kannan , Dasu Veeranki Venkata
Published: January 2010

BACKGROUND: Biodegradation of pyrene, a novel polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) of environmental concern, was investigated employing a two‐liquid phase partitioning bioreactor (TPPB) using Mycobacterium frederiksbergense. After initial screening of solvents, silicone oil was chosen as the biocompatible and economic solvent for use in this TPPB system with an initial pyrene concentration of 400 mg L−1. The efficiency of the TPPB system developed was also compared with the results of pyrene degradation by the microorganism in slurry phase and surfactant‐aided systems. A cost–benefit analysis comparison of the three systems evaluated in the work further revealed very good potential of the TPPB system in pyrene biodegradation.

RESULTS: Using silicone oil as the non‐aqueous phase liquid in the TPPB system, pyrene was found to be completely degraded by M. frederiksbergense within 6 days with a degradation rate of 140 mg L−1 d−1, which was at least seven times more than the values obtained in the slurry phase or surfactant‐aided systems. Further cost–benefit analysis comparison of the three systems revealed TPPB to be the most effective with a minimum cost of $ 0.62 per mg of pyrene degraded.

CONCLUSION: Performance of TPPB system, in terms of both efficiency and economics of pyrene degradation by M. frederiksbergense was found to be superior to slurry phase or surfactant aided systems. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Development of an original approach to evaluate effects of surfactants, biomass and pollutants on the scaling‐up of a two‐phase partitioning bioreactor
Authors: Aldric Jean‐Marc , Gillet Sébastien , Delvigne Frank , Thonart Philippe
Published: January 2010

BACKGROUND: Two‐phase partitioning bioreactors (TPPBs) are considered as a new technology for xenobiotic degradation in gaseous effluents. However, there is still a need for more knowledge on how to design and scale up TPPBs. The partitioning of the two phases remains a misunderstood method of research. In particular, the impact of pollutant (isopropylbenzene), biomass and surfactant extract needs to be better evaluated.

RESULTS: An adapted scale‐down apparatus has been developed in order to quantify the speed of phase partitioning (SPP) into a plug flow section. First, it was shown that isopropylbenzene (IPB) does not destabilise the system more significantly. Second, respectively 0.5 g L−1 and 0.05 g L−1 of biomass and surfactant extract, separately or in mixture, were sufficient to ensure the stability of the two‐phase system. Finally, a 100 m3 limit of scaling‐up was suggested on the basis of the circulation time comparison.

CONCLUSION: The scaling up of an aqueous–silicone oil TPPB was found to be definitely conceivable when the presence of biotic compounds were considered. However, further considerations are needed to verify our assumptions, in particular by taking into account the velocity field pattern in full‐scale bioreactors and reproduce it in laboratory‐scale apparatus. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Efficient aerobic oxidation of hydrocarbons with O2 catalyzed by DDQ/NHPI
Authors: Yang Xiaomei , Wang Ying , Zhou Lipeng , Chen Chen , Zhang Wei , Xu Jie
Published: January 2010

BACKGROUND: Organocatalysis, a promising strategy for the oxidation of organic compounds, does not involve the use of a catalytic metal. In this work, an efficient organocatalyst system consisting of 2,3‐dichloro‐5,6‐dicyano‐benzoquinone (DDQ) and N‐hydroxyphthalimide (NHPI) was studied.

RESULTS: 72.2% conversion with 92.3% selectivity for acetophenone was obtained in ethylbenzene oxygenation catalyzed by DDQ/NHPI under 0.3 MPa of molecular oxygen at 80 °C for 10 h. In addition, other hydrocarbons were also oxidized with high efficiency using this catalyst system. UV/Vis spectroscopy of the catalytic system indicated that DDQ accelerated the generation of free radical phthalimido‐N‐oxyl (PINO) by abstracting a hydrogen atom from NHPI.

CONCLUSION: An efficient organocatalyst system consisting of DDQ and NHPI for selective oxidation of hydrocarbons to corresponding ketones with molecular oxygen as oxidant is reported. DDQ promoted the generation of PINO from NHPI, and the oxidation reaction was accelerated via PINO. This organocatalyst system should be useful for the design of highly selective catalysts for hydrocarbon oxidation. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Evidence for site‐specific intra‐ionic hydrogen/deuterium exchange in the low‐energy collision‐induced dissociation product ion spectra of protonated small molecules generated by electrospray ionisation
Authors: Holman Stephen W. , Wright Patricia , Wells Neil J. , Langley G. John
Published: January 2010

The experimental investigation of site‐specific intra‐ionic hydrogen/deuterium (H/D) exchange in the low‐energy collision‐induced dissociation (CID) product ion spectra of protonated small molecules generated by electrospray ionisation (ESI) is presented. The observation of intra‐ionic H/D exchange in such ions under low‐energy CID conditions has hitherto been rarely reported. The data suggest that the intra‐ionic H/D exchange takes place in a site‐specific manner between the ionising deuteron, localised at either a tertiary amine or a tertiary amine‐N‐oxide, and a γ‐hydrogen relative to the nitrogen atom. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy measurements showed that no H/D exchange takes place in solution, indicating that the reaction occurs in the gas phase. The compounds analysed in this study suggested that electron‐withdrawing groups bonded to the carbon atom bearing the γ‐hydrogen can preclude exchange. The effect of the electron‐withdrawing group appears dependent upon its electronegativity, with lower χ value groups still allowing exchange to take place. However, the limited dataset available in this study prevented robust conclusions being drawn regarding the effect of the electron‐withdrawing group. The observation of site‐specific intra‐ionic H/D exchange has application in the area of structural elucidation, where it could be used to introduce an isotopic label into the carbon skeleton of a molecule containing specific structural features. This could increase the throughput, and minimise the cost, of such studies due to the obviation of the need to produce a deuterium‐labelled analogue by synthetic means. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Open blunt crush injury of different severity determines nature and extent of local tissue regeneration and repair
Authors: Stratos Ioannis , Graff Johannes , Rotter Robert , Mittlmeier Thomas , Vollmar Brigitte
Published: January 2010

Insufficiency of skeletal muscle regeneration is often accompanied with functional deficiencies. The goal of our study was to assess the restoration of peripheral muscle upon injury of different severity. Blunt crush injury of the soleus muscle in rats was induced by a clamp and stepwise amplified in severity by rising the locking level of the clamp, resulting in three different groups (1× lock; 2× lock; 3× lock; n = 30 animals per group). After assessment of the fast twitch and tetanic contraction capacity at days 1, 4, 7, 14, and 42 postinjury sampling of muscle tissue served for analysis of cell proliferation, including satellite cells, apoptosis, and leukocyte infiltration. Contraction force analysis demonstrated significantly higher values of relative muscle strength in the 1× lock group compared to the two other groups over 42 days. Calculation of the twitch‐to‐tetanic force ratio revealed significantly higher mean values at days 1, 7, and 14 in the animals of group 2× lock and 3× lock, indicating a transformation toward a fast‐twitching muscular phenotype. Moreover, cell proliferation during the first 4 days was found dependent on the severity of muscle injury in that the higher the severity the higher the proliferation. At the same time, cell apoptosis was found increased, and at day 1 the local leukocyte infiltration was significantly higher in the 3× lock compared to the 1× lock group. These data indicate that severity of injury correlates with local repair responses, which, however, are not necessarily sufficient to fully restore muscle function. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 28:950–957, 2010
Production of maize–bambara groundnut complementary foods fortified pre‐fermentation with processed foods rich in calcium, iron, zinc and provitamin A
Authors: Uvere Peter O , Onyekwere Eucharia U , Ngoddy Patrick O
Published: January 2010

BACKGROUND: Maize–bambara groundnut complementary foods are deficient in calcium, iron, zinc and vitamin A. Food‐to‐food fortification could be cheaper, safer and more easily adopted by local communities compared to the use of chemically pure compounds and vitamins to enrich such foods.

RESULTS: Maize–bambara groundnut complementary foods fortified for iron, zinc, calcium and vitamin A by blending with a multi‐mix (1.41:1:2.25, w/w) of processed roselle calyces, cattle bones, and red palm oil in a 1:2.1 (w/w) ratio showed significant increases in calcium, iron, zinc and vitamin A contents of 3.26–4.225, 0.083–0.134 and 0.015–0.017 g kg−1 and 4855.3–7493.7 µgRE kg−1, respectively.

CONCLUSION: The maize–bambara groundnut foods had calcium, iron, zinc and vitamin A contents that satisfy the proposed nutrient requirements for infants. Only the maize–bambara groundnut and maize–bambara groundnut malt fermented by backslopping [(MB)b and (MBm)b] containing red palm oil emulsified with Brachystegia eurycoma had calcium contents significantly (P < 0.05) higher than Nutrend, a complementary food produced by Nestle (Nigeria) PLC. These products are from raw materials produced in commercial quantities by rural farmers using household level technologies which the rural and urban poor can more easily access in order to reduce micronutrient malnutrition. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of short‐term air storage after removal from controlled‐atmosphere storage on apple and fresh‐cut apple quality
Authors: Toivonen Peter MA , Wiersma Paul A , Hampson Cheryl , Lannard Brenda
Published: January 2010

BACKGROUND: One of the realities of apple distribution for long‐term stored fruit is that a controlled‐atmosphere (CA) storage room will be unsealed and fruit held in air storage and marketed over several weeks. This work was conducted to determine the effect of post‐CA air storage of whole fruit on potential shelf life for fresh‐cut apple slices.

RESULTS: Fresh‐cut slices of ‘Spartan’ and ‘Delicious’ apples held in post‐CA air storage for 2 or 4 weeks showed the least changes in cut surface color as compared with those made from apples immediately on removal from CA. Shelf life was most improved by post‐CA air storage in the ‘Spartan’ apples, which were more advanced in maturity as compared with the ‘Delicious’ apples. Internal ethylene concentration, firmness, and respiration changed significantly with post‐CA air storage, suggesting a relationship between physiological status of the whole fruit and shelf life of slices made from that fruit.

CONCLUSION: The results support the hypothesis that apples had suppressed physiological activity in CA storage and are susceptible to accelerated deterioration upon cutting. Holding fruit for 2 weeks in air storage allowed recovery of physiological activity, which resulted in greater resistance to deterioration in response to fresh‐cut processing. Copyright © 2010 Crown in the right of Canada. Published by JohnWiley & Sons, Ltd
Polyphenol oxidase activity of two olive (Olea europaeaL.) cultivars as an early criterion of Mn toxicity
Authors: Chatzistathis Theocharis , Therios Ioannis , Diamantidis Gregorios
Published: January 2010

BACKGROUND:The time course of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity in the leaves of two olive cultivars (Picual and FS‐17) irrigated with nutrient solutions differing in Mn concentration (0, 2 and 1280 µmol L−1) was studied under hydroponic conditions to determine whether PPO activity could be used as an early criterion of Mn status of olive plants, and to elucidate whether genotypic differences exist between the two olive cultivars studied, concerning the effect of Mn concentration on PPO activity.

RESULTS:In all the Mn treatments, PPO activity was greater in Picual than in FS‐17. Under excess Mn (1280 µmol L−1), PPO activity gradually increased with time, starting from day 30 of the experiment in both cultivars, and this increase preceded the appearance of Mn toxicity symptoms. In contrast, in the other two Mn treatments (0 and 2 µmol L−1) PPO activity increased and afterwards decreased during the experiment, but the trend was not clear. In the 1280 µmol L−1treatment, PPO activity linearly increased (R= 0.8836 for Picual and 0.943 for FS‐17) with the increase of Mn concentration in the leaves of both cultivars. In the 1280 µmol L−1Mn treatment, PPO activity was negatively related with Fe and Zn concentrations in the leaves, and positively in the 0 and 2 µmol L−1Mn treatments with the Ca, Mg and K concentrations.

CONCLUSION:From the differential time course of PPO activity in the three Mn treatments (0, 2 and 1280 µmol L−1), it is concluded that periodic measurements of PPO activity in the leaves of the olive cultivars Picual and FS‐17 can be used for the early detection of Mn toxicity (before the appearance of symptoms). Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of mild temperature conditions during dehydration procedures on saffron quality parameters
Authors: del Campo C Priscila , Carmona Manuel , Maggi Luana , Kanakis Charalabos D , Anastasaki Eirini G , Tarantilis Petros A , Polissiou Moschos G , Alonso Gonzalo L
Published: January 2010

BACKGROUND: The dehydration procedure is responsible for saffron sensorial properties: colour, taste and aroma. Changes in the compounds responsible for these characteristics have been studied when dehydration processes at high and low temperature are employed. However, the evolution of these changes at mild temperatures is not available in the current bibliography. In this paper the effect of different mild conditions (18–20 °C for 24 h, 40–50 °C for 75 min and 55 °C for 75 min) applied to 45 saffron samples with the same origin was investigated.

RESULTS: Crocetin esters, the compounds responsible for saffron colour, increased their content with no significant differences from other processes when high temperatures (55 °C) were used, thus producing a noticeable increment in saffron colouring capability. Similar behaviour was obtained for picrocrocin, the compound responsible for saffron taste, with higher average content at the highest temperature (55 °C) but without significant differences with the inferior conditions (40–50 °C). However, more volatile compounds were generated, especially safranal,at higher temperatures, e.g. 55 °C, during the dehydration procedure.

CONCLUSIONS: The results found support the idea for employing mild to high temperatures during the dehydration process of saffron. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Liver transplantation and combined liver-heart transplantation in patients with familial amyloid polyneuropathy: A single-center experience
Authors: Barreiros Ana-Paula , Post Felix , Hoppe-Lotichius Maria , Linke Reinhold P. , Vahl Christian F. , Schäfers Hans-Joachim , Galle Peter R. , Otto Gerd
Published: January 2010

Liver transplantation (LT) is the only curative option for patients with familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP) at present. Twenty patients with FAP underwent LT between May 1998 and June 2007. Transthyretin mutations included predominantly the Val30Met mutation but also 10 other mutations. Seven patients received a pacemaker prior to LT, and because of impairment of mechanical cardiac function, 4 combined heart-liver transplants were performed, 1 simultaneously and 3 sequentially. The first patient, who underwent simultaneous transplantation, died. Seven patients died after LT, with 5 dying within the first year after transplantation. The causes of death were cardiac complications (4 patients), infections (2 patients), and malnutrition (1 patient). One-year survival was 75.0%, and 5-year survival was 64.2%. Gly47Glu and Leu12Pro mutations showed an aggressive clinical manifestation: 2 patients with the Gly47Glu mutation, the youngest patients of all the non-Val30Met patients, suffered from severe cardiac symptoms leading to death despite LT. Two siblings with the Leu12Pro mutation, who presented only with grand mal seizures, died after LT because of sepsis. In conclusion, the clinical course in patients with FAP is very variable. Cardiac symptoms occurred predominantly in patients with non-Val30Met mutations and prompted combined heart-liver transplantation in 4 patients. Although early LT in Val30Met is indicated in order to halt the typical symptoms of polyneuropathy, additional complications occurring predominantly with other mutations may prevail and lead to life-threatening complications or a fatal outcome. Combined heart-liver transplantation should be considered in patients with restrictive cardiomyopathy. Liver Transpl 16:314–323, 2010. © 2010 AASLD.
Acute and long-term effects of inhaled iloprost in portopulmonary hypertension
Authors: Melgosa Maria Teresa , Ricci Giovanni L. , García-Pagan Juan Carlos , Blanco Isabel , Escribano Pilar , Abraldes Juan G. , Roca Josep , Bosch Jaume , Barberà Joan Albert
Published: January 2010

Portopulmonary hypertension (PoPH) is a serious condition without an established treatment. Drugs used to treat pulmonary hypertension may have detrimental effects on portal hypertension. This study was designed to assess in patients with PoPH the acute effects of inhaled iloprost (iILO) on pulmonary and hepatic hemodynamics and to evaluate the clinical outcome after 12 months of treatment. We conducted 2 separate studies. In the first one, 21 patients with PoPH were acutely tested with 2.8 μg of iILO. Pulmonary and hepatic hemodynamics were assessed at the baseline and through 60 minutes after iILO. In the second one, we retrospectively evaluated 12 patients treated with iILO (30 μg/day) for more than 1 year. The 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), functional class (FC), and echocardiogram were analyzed at the baseline and after 12 months of treatment. In the acute study, iILO rapidly reduced pulmonary artery pressure (PAP; −16% ± 8%, P < 0.001) and pulmonary vascular resistance (−18% ± 14%, P < 0.001). The cardiac output did not change initially but decreased after 30 minutes. The hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) and hepatic blood flow did not vary through the study. Pulmonary vasodilation induced by iILO was inversely related to HVPG. In the long-term evaluation, iILO improved FC by 1 or more in 7 patients (P = 0.04) and increased 6MWD by 67 ± 59 m at 12 months (P < 0.001). No change in systolic PAP was observed. Two patients died because of hepatic complications, and 4 additional patients presented clinically significant events that were related to hepatic disease in 2 and worsening of pulmonary hypertension in 2. We conclude that in patients with PoPH, iILO produces rapid and selective pulmonary vasodilation without altering the hepatic hemodynamics. Its long-term use may provide sustained improvements in symptoms and exercise tolerance in some patients with PoPH. A randomized, controlled trial is warranted to establish its clinical role in this serious condition. Liver Transpl 16:348–356, 2010. © 2010 AASLD.
Strategic capacity decision‐making in a stochastic manufacturing environment using real‐time approximate dynamic programming
Authors: Pratikakis Nikolaos E. , Realff Matthew J. , Lee Jay H.
Published: January 2010

In this study, we illustrate a real‐time approximate dynamic programming (RTADP) method for solving multistage capacity decision problems in a stochastic manufacturing environment, by using an exemplary three‐stage manufacturing system with recycle. The system is a moderate size queuing network, which experiences stochastic variations in demand and product yield. The dynamic capacity decision problem is formulated as a Markov decision process (MDP). The proposed RTADP method starts with a set of heuristics and learns a superior quality solution by interacting with the stochastic system via simulation. The curse‐of‐dimensionality associated with DP methods is alleviated by the adoption of several notions including “evolving set of relevant states,” for which the value function table is built and updated, “adaptive action set” for keeping track of attractive action candidates, and “nonparametric k nearest neighbor averager” for value function approximation. The performance of the learned solution is evaluated against (1) an “ideal” solution derived using a mixed integer programming (MIP) formulation, which assumes full knowledge of future realized values of the stochastic variables (2) a myopic heuristic solution, and (3) a sample path based rolling horizon MIP solution. The policy learned through the RTADP method turned out to be superior to polices of 2 and 3. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 2010