bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Colloids in Milk Products
Authors: Leser Martin E. , Michel Martin
Published: November 2008

Food, especially milk, is such a familiar material to all of us that it is easy to overlook the scientific input required to assure the quality of existing milk products and/or to come up with new and better processed dairy foods. A major input comes from the research fields of Colloid
and Interface science and Soft Condensed Matter Physics, since it becomes more and more evident that relevant properties of foods, such as texture, taste, color, viscosity, stability, mouth-feel or nutritional functionality, are not simply the result of the presence of the ingredients mixed
together during processing, but are also the result of the created three-dimensional structure. Recognizing that food materials can be described as colloidal systems allows food technologists to better control the quality of the end product. In the present work we discuss how colloidal concepts
can be used to describe the behavior of milk products. We will consider the colloidal properties of milk characterized by the properties of its colloidal entities, i.e. the fat globules, the casein micelles and the whey protein aggregates.
Concentration Profiles of Colloidal Fluids in One-Dimensional Confinement
Authors: Bunk Oliver , Schmitt Bernd , Patterson Bruce D. , Willmott Philip R. , Padeste Celestino , Perret Edith , Nygård Kim , David Christian , Diaza Ana , Pfeiffera Franz , Satapathy Dillip K. , Van der Veen Friso J.
Published: November 2008

An X-ray diffraction method has been developed to derive concentration profiles of fluids under one-dimensional confinement. A microfluidic array of channels is used as a container for the fluid under investigation. Thereby the ensemble average of many channels is studied rather than
individual realizations of the system. Additionally, the X-ray scattering signal is enhanced and the radiation dose per fluid volume reduced. As an example, data are shown for a colloidal solution of silica particles of about 109 nm diameter under confinement in channels ranging from 280 to
615 nm width. The density profiles across the channels have been determined in a model independent way with a resolution in the 10 nm regime. When the electrostatic potential of the colloidal particles is shielded, we observe an oscillatory ordering-disordering behaviour of the colloidal particles
as a function of the channel width, while the colloidal solution remains in the liquid state. This phenomenon has been suggested by surface force studies of hard-sphere fluids and also theoretically predicted, but has so far never been seen by direct measurements of the structure for comparable
systems. The size of the fluid's constituents and of the confining cavities can be scaled down to below 100 nm, opening up the possibility for the investigation of confinement effects in e.g. protein crystallization.
Exfoliation of Sheet Silicates by Nitroxide Mediated Polymerization
Authors: Mühlebach Andreas , Nesvadba Peter , Rime François , Bugnon Lucienne
Published: November 2008

A new cationic alkoxyamine initiator/regulator for the nitroxide-mediated polymerization of acrylates was prepared and intercalated by cation exchange into a montmorillonite-type natural and a synthetic layered silicate. Thermal activation of this alkoxyamine in the presence of n-butyl
acrylate as monomer initiated its controlled radical polymerization, leading to an almost complete exfoliation of the silicate layers. The poly(n-butyl-acrylate) chains attached to the individual sheet silicate layers showed adjustable number average molecular weights (Mn) values
between 1000 and 14000 g/mol and polydispersities PD (= Mw/Mn; Mw = weight average molecular weight) as low as 1.5. The poly(n-butyl acrylate) modified silicate nanoparticles obtained by this process have a polymer content between 41 and 89 wt.%, are non-agglomerated
and stable in dispersion for >1 year without any sedimentation. They are easily re-dispersible in apolar solvents, in monomers and macromonomers which are used e.g. in coating formulations and in polymer solutions/melts, forming nanocomposites with novel properties. For example,
a 20% reduction of the O2 permeability of polyethylene films was observed at 5 wt% loading with the exfoliated sheet silicate.
Colloidal Drug Delivery Systems – Recent Advances With Polymeric Micelles
Authors: Mondon Karine , Gurny Robert , Möller Michael
Published: November 2008

With the emergence of nanotechnology in drug delivery, colloidal systems and particularly polymeric micelles have attracted great attention. Polymeric micelles formed by the self-assembly of amphiphilic copolymers adopt a core-shell structure, which can be loaded with drugs and used
as drug delivery systems for various medical applications. The most interesting aspects involve extended blood circulation times and stability upon dilution, which enable polymeric micelles to accumulate in tumor or inflammation sites due to the enhanced permeation and retention effect (EPR).
In the first part of this paper polymeric micelles with different morphologies and different circulating-, active- and passive targeting, and stimuli responsive properties will be reviewed. Furthermore amphiphilic block copolymers of different compositions for pharmaceutical micelle formulations
will be discussed. The hydrophilic block is often composed of the biocompatible polyethylene glycol (PEG), whereas diverse polymers are used for the hydrophobic block. The biodegradable and biocompatible polylactide (PLA) is one of the most tested core-forming blocks for micelles, in part
because of approval by the FDA for numerous drug products for use in humans. However, PLA has limitations with respect to the incorporation of poorly water-soluble drugs. Considering this we will present in the second part of this paper briefly our strategy and contribution to overcome these
limitations and recent results for the envisioned application of these micelles in the field of cancer treatment. In order to increase the hydrophobicity of PLA methyl groups are substituted by more hydrophobic hexyl groups. The hexyl-substituted polylactides in combination with PEG form the
amphiphilic block copolymers PEG-hexPLA, which self-assemble in aqueous solution into stable spherical, homogenous micelles with a diameter of 20–45 nm. The increased hydrophobicity of the hexPLA micelle core leads to higher incorporation rates of hydrophobic drugs, like the poorly water
soluble photosensitizer, meso-tetra(p-hydroxyphenyl)porphine (THPP). THPP water solubility is increased 200-fold using these micelles. Their application in photodynamic therapy (PDT), coupled with the increased accumulation of the photosensitizer in a tumor, followed by irradiation
at a special wavelength, should lead to tumor death. The encouraging drug incorporation results reveal the potential of hexyl-substituted polylactide micelles as drug carriers for PDT applications.
What Does It Mean to Be African American? Constructions of Race and Academic Identity in an Urban Public High School
Authors: Nasir Na’ilah Suad , McLaughlin Milbrey W. , Jones Amina
Published: November 2008

In this article, the authors explore variation in the meanings of racial identity for African American students in a predominantly African American urban high school. They view racial identity as both related to membership in a racial group and as fluid and reconstructed in the local school setting. They draw on both survey data and observational data to examine the nature of racial identity meanings for African American students, their relation to academic engagement and achievement, and how they were fostered by the school context. Findings show that students embraced (and were offered differential access to) different meanings of African American racial identity and that these meanings were differentially related to achievement and engagement.
Growth and yield response of onion (Allium cepa L.) genotypes to different levels of fertilizers
Authors: Islam MK , Alam MF , Islam AKMR
Published: November 2008

The influence of four levels of fertilizers viz. 0:0:0, 60:65:80, 120:130:160 and 240:260:320 kg/ha (N:P:K) on growth, yield and yield contributing characters of six onion genotypes viz. Thaherpuri Brown, BARI Onion 1, Faridpuri Bhati, Suksagar, Nasirbala and Pusa Red exhibited distinct variation in respect of all the characters under investigation in the field condition. The fertilizers at 120:130:160 kg/ha produced the maximum bulb yield (14.9 t/ha). Genotype Pusa Red gave the maximum bulb yield (17.2 t/ha) and Faridpuri Bhati had the lowest yield (11.8 t/ha). Pusa Red along with 120:130:160 kg/ha produced maximum bulb yield (18.3 t/ha). Correlation studies revealed that bulb yield was positively related with different yield components, but it showed non-significant negative relation with bulb dry matter content (%). The regression analyses showed that the rate of change of bulb yield was dependent upon the rate of change of plant height, number of leaves and roots, and root length. Increase in number of roots per plant appears very important in increasing the yield. Â  Key words: Allium cepa, Onion, Fertilizer, Genotypes, Correlation, Regression doi:10.3329/bjb.v36i1.1546 Â  Bangladesh J. Bot. 36(1): 33-38, 2007 (June)
Isolation and characterization of ten mycelial organisms from different aquatic habitats of Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: Khan Mahbubar Rahman , Saha Mihir Lal , Hossain Tania
Published: November 2008

Bangladesh J. Bot. 36(1): 61-68, 2007 (June)
Effects of pyrimethanil on pollen meiosis of tomato plant (Lycopersicon lycopersicum Mill.)
Authors: Kesercioglu Teoman , Çali Ilkay Öztürk
Published: November 2008

Effects of Mythos SC 300 (300 g/l pyrimethanil), a fungicide on tomato plants were studied by observation of pollen meiosis. The fungicide was applied at double the recommended dosage (250 ml/100 l tap water). The anthers of flower bud fixed in Carnoy's fluid were stained with 2% aceto-orcein. The fungicide caused various anomalies in pollen meiosis, decrease in pollen yield and consequently influenced future seed formation.
Comparison of agronomic characters of Festulolium, Festuca pratensis Huds. and Lolium multiflorum Lam. genotypes under high elevation conditions in Turkey
Authors: Akgun Ilknur , Tosun Metin , Sengul Suleyman
Published: November 2008

Prior {Lolium perenne Ã Festuca pratensis) and Elmet (Lolium multiflorum Ã Festuca pratensis) cultivars were compared with Festuca pratensis Huds. and Lolium multiflorum Lam. genotypes for some agronomical characteristics (green and dry matter yields, crude protein, seed yield, crude ash content) under Erzurum ecological conditions. Analysis of variance and mean separation were performed using the SPSS 11.0 computer program. There was a significant difference among genotypes in every character tested except for green and dry matter yield and crude ash content. Hybrid genotypes had higher plant height, dry and green matter yield, seed yield per plant and crude protein yield except 1000-seed weight. Elmet performed better than Prior except for seed yield per plant. Â  Key words: Festulolium, Lolium, Festuca, Yield, Crude protein, Crude ash doi:10.3329/bjb.v37i1.1556 Bangladesh J. Bot. 37(1): 1-6, 2008 (June)
Influence of seed ageing on growth and yield of soybean
Authors: Saha Rina Rani , Sultana Wahida
Published: November 2008

Effect of seed ageing on stand establishment, growth and yield of three soybean varieties was studied. Treatments consisted of three varieties viz. Shohag, Bangladesh soybean 4 and BARIsoybean-5 with four levels of seed ageing viz. 20, 12, 8 and 2 months aged seed. Seed germination and field emergence percentage decreased but electrical conductivity of seed leachate increased with increasing seed age in all the soybean varieties. Irrespective of varieties, plants grown from 20 months aged seed accumulated more dry matter per plant but crop growth rate (CGR) were lower than the other ageing treatments. The highest dry matter accumulation and CGR were found in BARIsoybean-5 and lowest in Bangladesh soybean 4. Irrespective of varieties, crop grown from 2 months aged seed produced significantly the highest seed yield (1981 kg/ha) which was at par with the yield obtained from 8 months aged seed; and the lowest (811 kg/ha) was grown from 20 months aged seed. Among the varieties, significantly the highest seed yield (1615 kg/ha) was obtained from BARIsoybean-5 which was identical with that of Bangladesh soybean 4. Results further revealed that Bangladesh soybean 4 can be grown up to 12 months aged seed without significant reduction in seed yield. Â  Key words: Seed ageing, Stand establishment, Crop growth rate, Seed yield doi:10.3329/bjb.v37i1.1559 Bangladesh J. Bot. 37(1): 21-26, 2008 (June)
Lichen flora in Chandra sal forest: Occurrence, distribution and abundance
Authors: Alam Nuhu , Gafur MA
Published: November 2008

Occurrence of lichen flora in Chandra Sal Forest of Gazipur district, Bangladesh revealed 12 taxa under 2 genera of lichens. These are Anaptychia sp., Anthracothecium variolosum, Bacidia luteola, Chiodecton philippinum, Dimelaena sp., Graphis scripta, Lecanora rugosa, Leptogium sp., Parmelia conspersa, Pertusaria sp., Rhizocarpon sp. and Tylophoron moderatum.The taxa were identified from four different locations of Chandra Sal forest. Symbiotic relationship between algae and fungi revealed that a total of five algal genera namely, Anabaena sp., Gloeocapsa sp., Nostoc sp., Protococcus sp. and Trentepohlia sp. were found to form the thalli of lichens individually with ascomycetous fungi. Nostoc sp. and Protococcus sp. each was found separetely in four lichens. Â  Key words: Lichen, Occurrence, Distribution, Abundance, Sal forest doi:10.3329/bjb.v37i1.1565 Bangladesh J. Bot. 37(1): 61-65, 2008 (June)
Morphology, anatomy, ecology and palynology of two Centaurea species from Turkey
Authors: Celik Sezgin , Uysal Ismet , Menemen Yusuf
Published: November 2008

Centaurea L. sect. Ptosimopappa, a local endemic group in the Mediterranean and South East Anatolia, is represented by only two species, namely C. ptosimopappa Hayek and C. ptosimopappoides Wagenitz in Turkey. Both these species show a very restricted distribution as serpentine habitat indicators and are recorded as vulnerable. Present study was carried out to enlighten the morphological, anatomical and ecological features of these two species in detail. The structure of achene, indumentum and pollen grains were investigated by using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The capitulum, involucre and leaf structure of these two species are rather similar, but their achenes and pollen grains differ from each other. In C. ptosimopappa pollen spinules are densely distributed but in C. ptosimopappoides they are sparsely distributed. The achenes are obovate in C. ptosimopappa and rectangular in C. ptosimopappoides. C. ptosimopappa is a scrub species but C. ptosimopappoides is a subscrub species. A negative relation in terms of the proportion of sand to silt content of the soil and positive relation between the percentage of CaCO3 and pH was observed for C. ptosimopappa (p < 0.05). A negative relation in terms of the proportion of sand to silt content of the soil was observed in C. ptosimopappoides (p < 0.01). Â  Key words: Morphology, Anatomy, Ecology, Pollen, Centaurea spp. doi:10.3329/bjb.v37i1.1566 Bangladesh J. Bot. 37(1): 67-74, 2008 (June)
Effects of some angiospermic plant extracts on in vitro vegetative growth of Fusarium moniliforme
Authors: Yasmin M , Hossain KS , Bashar MA
Published: November 2008

Fifty five angiospermic plants were selected for evaluating the effect of their aqueous extracts on the in vitro vegetative growth of Fusarium moniliforme Sheldon. Extracts of 17 plants showed varied degrees of inhibitory effects on the test pathogen. For instance the leaf extract of Lawsonia inermis showed maximum inhibition (60.65 %) followed by roots of Asparagus racemosus (50.59 %). The possibility of using these plant extracts in seed treatment to control bakanae disease of rice is suggested. Antifungal property of leaves of Andrographis paniculata and Lagerstroemia speciosa against bakanae disease is reported here for the first time. Key words: In vitro, Vegetative growth, Bakanae, Fusarium moniliforme, Plant extracts doi:10.3329/bjb.v37i1.1569 Bangladesh J. Bot. 37(1): 85-88, 2008 (June)
Tendencias en la investigación y modelos de publicación en el Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas: Agronomía frente a Biotecnología Vegetal
Authors: Plaza Luis M. , Granadino Begoña , García-Carpintero Esther
Published: November 2008

El objetivo de este estudio es identificar los cambios en las tendencias de investigación y los modelos de publicación de los científicos españoles en el área de Ciencias Agrarias del Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) en respuesta a los nuevos desafíos y oportunidades producidos por el desarrollo de la Biotecnología Vegetal. Para alcanzar este objetivo, se analizó la producción científica del CSIC en las áreas de Agronomía y Biotecnología Vegetal, en las revistas recogidas por la base de datos «Science Citation Index» (SCI) e Índice de Ciencia y Tecnología (ICYT), durante el período 1996-2005. Los resultados muestran al CSIC como un importante generador de conocimiento en el área de agronomí, contribuyendo con un 40% del total de publicaciones españolas recogidas en SCI durante el período analizado. El porcentaje de publicaciones del área de Biotecnología Vegetal, que apenas llega a alcanzar un 20% en el año 2005.
Palladium Nanoparticles in Allylic Alkylations and Heck Reactions: The Molecular Nature of the Catalyst Studied in a Membrane Reactor
Authors: Diéguez Montserrat , Pàmies Oscar , Mata Yvette , Teuma Emmanuelle , Gómez Montserrat , Ribaudo Fabrizio , van Leeuwen Piet W. N. M.
Published: November 2008

A series of palladium nanoparticles stabilized by five chiral sugar‐based oxazolinyl‐phosphite ligands, containing various substituents at the oxazoline and phosphite moieties has been synthesized. They were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), infrared spectroscopy (IR) and elemental analysis. These nanoparticles were applied in Pd‐catalyzed asymmetric allylic alkylation and Heck coupling reactions. A detailed study to elucidate the nature of the active species using a continuous‐flow membrane reactor (CFMR), accompanied by TEM observations, classical poisoning experiments, and kinetic measurements have been carried out. Conclusive evidence of the nature of the species involved in the use of PdNPs in asymmetric catalytic reactions has been obtained. The CFMR experiments proved the molecular nature of the true catalysts and all conversions can be justified by the amount of molecular palladium that leached as measured by ICP‐AES.
Novel anticorrelation criteria for design of experiments: Algorithm and application
Authors: Franceschini Gaia , Macchietto Sandro
Published: November 2008

When building mathematical models to represent chemical phenomena, the identification of the system kinetics can be one of the most difficult and time‐consuming processes. The high‐parameter correlations, which are typical of the most common reaction networks (parallel, consecutive reactions, etc.), often make the identification and proper estimation of the model parameters extremely difficult. For this reason, a novel approach to model‐based experiment design able to yield optimally informative experiments while simultaneously reducing the correlations between the model parameters was proposed in a previous publication. (Franceschini and Macchietto, AIChE J. 2008;54:109–1024) This method was demonstrated very effective when applied to a simple, illustrative case. This article investigates this novel approach in more details and presents an algorithm and a structured set of recommendations to guide a user in the formulation of the design sequence most appropriate to the features of the problem under investigation. The application to a more complex fermentation example is used to demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed algorithm, the effectiveness of the novel criteria in yielding precise parameter estimates as less correlated as possible, and the suitability of this method to various design procedures (sequential, parallel, etc.). © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2008
Lateral surface nonuniformities in drying latex films
Authors: Gundabala Venkata R. , Lei Chun‐hong , Ouzineb Keltoum , Dupont Olivier , Keddie Joseph L. , F. Routh Alexander
Published: November 2008

The length scales of film thickness nonuniformities, commonly observed in polymer colloid (i.e., latex) films, are predicted. This prediction is achieved by investigating the stability behavior of drying latex films. A linear stability analysis is performed on a base solution representing a uniformly drying latex film containing a surfactant. The analysis identifies film thickness nonuniformities over two length scales: long (millimeter) range (from lubrication theory) and short (micrometer) range (from nonlubrication theory). Evaporation and surfactant desorption into the bulk film are identified as the primary destabilizing mechanisms during drying. Experimental evidence through direct visualization and atomic force microscopy confirm the existence of nonuniformities over both length scales, which are shown to be functions of parameters such as initial particle volume fraction, surfactant amount, and desorption strength, while being independent of drying rate. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2008
Early rapid growth, early birth: Accelerated fetal growth and spontaneous late preterm birth
Authors: Lampl Michelle , Kusanovic Juan Pedro , Erez Offer , Espinoza Jimmy , Gotsch Francesca , Goncalves Luis , Hassan Sonia , Gomez Ricardo , Nien Jyh Kae , Frongillo Edward A. , Romero Roberto
Published: November 2008

The past two decades in the United States have seen a 24% rise in spontaneous late preterm delivery (34–36 weeks) of unknown etiology. This study tested the hypothesis that fetal growth was identical prior to spontaneous preterm (n = 221, median gestational age at birth 35.6 weeks) and term (n = 3706) birth among pregnancies followed longitudinally in Santiago, Chile. The hypothesis was not supported: Preterm‐delivered fetuses were significantly larger than their term‐delivered peers by mid‐second trimester in estimated fetal weight, head, limb, and abdominal dimensions, and they followed different growth trajectories. Piecewise regression assessed time‐specific differences in growth rates at 4‐week intervals from 16 weeks. Estimated fetal weight and abdominal circumference growth rates slowed at 20 weeks among the preterm‐delivered, only to match and/or exceed their term‐delivered peers at 24–28 weeks. After an abrupt growth rate decline at 28 weeks, fetuses delivered preterm did so at greater population‐specific sex and age‐adjusted birth weight percentiles than their peers from uncomplicated pregnancies (P < 0.01). Growth rates predicted birth timing: one standard score of estimated fetal weight increased the odds ratio for late preterm birth from 2.8 prior to 23 weeks, to 3.6 (95% confidence interval, 1.82–7.11, P < 0.05) between 23 and 27 weeks. After 27 weeks, increasing size was protective (OR: 0.56, 95% confidence interval, 0.38–0.82, P = 0.003). These data document, for the first time, a distinctive fetal growth pattern across gestation preceding spontaneous late preterm birth, identify the importance of mid‐gestation for alterations in fetal growth, and add perspective on human fetal biological variability. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparing indirect methods of digit ratio (2D:4D) measurement
Authors: Kemper Christoph J. , Schwerdtfeger Andreas
Published: November 2008

The ratio of the lengths of the second and fourth finger (2D:4D) has been proposed to index prenatal exposure to androgens. Different methods have been utilized to measure digit ratio, however, their measurement precision and economy have not been systematically compared yet. Using different indirect methods (plastic ruler, caliper, computer software), three independent raters measured finger lengths of 60 participants. Generally, measurement precision (intraclass correlation coefficient, technical error of measurement, and relative technical error of measurement) was acceptable for each method. However, precision estimates were highest for the computer software, indicating excellent measurement precision. Estimates for the caliper method were somewhat lower followed by ruler which had the lowest precision. On the contrary, the software‐based measurements took somewhat longer to complete than the other methods. Nonetheless, we would favor the use of these tools in digit ratio research because of their relative superior reliability which could be crucial when associations with other variables are expected to be low to moderate or sample size is limited. Software offers several promising opportunities that may contribute to an accurate identification of the proximal finger crease (e.g., zooming, adjusting contrast, etc.). Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Meta‐analysis of genome‐wide linkage scans of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Zhou Kaixin , Dempfle Astrid , Arcos‐Burgos Mauricio , Bakker Steven C. , Banaschewski Tobias , Biederman Joseph , Buitelaar Jan , Castellanos F. Xavier , Doyle Alysa , Ebstein Richard P. , Ekholm Jenny , Forabosco Paola , Franke Barbara , Freitag Christine , Friedel Susann , Gill Michael , Hebebrand Johannes , Hinney Anke , Jacob Christian , Lesch Klaus Peter , Loo Sandra K. , Lopera Francisco , McCracken James T. , McGough James J. , Meyer Jobst , Mick Eric , Miranda Ana , Muenke1 Maximilian , Mulas Fernando , Nelson Stanley F. , Nguyen T.Trang , Oades Robert D. , Ogdie Matthew N. , Palacio Juan David , Pineda David , Reif Andreas , Renner Tobias J. , Roeyers Herbert , Romanos Marcel , Rothenberger Aribert , Schäfer Helmut , Sergeant Joseph , Sinke Richard J. , Smalley Susan L. , Sonuga‐Barke Edmund , Steinhausen Hans‐Christoph , van der Meulen Emma , Walitza Susanne , Warnke Andreas , Lewis Cathryn M , Faraone Stephen V. , Asherson Philip
Published: November 2008

Genetic contribution to the development of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is well established. Seven independent genome‐wide linkage scans have been performed to map loci that increase the risk for ADHD. Although significant linkage signals were identified in some of the studies, there has been limited replications between the various independent datasets. The current study gathered the results from all seven of the ADHD linkage scans and performed a Genome Scan Meta Analysis (GSMA) to identify the genomic region with most consistent linkage evidence across the studies. Genome‐wide significant linkage (PSR = 0.00034, POR = 0.04) was identified on chromosome 16 between 64 and 83 Mb. In addition there are nine other genomic regions from the GSMA showing nominal or suggestive evidence of linkage. All these linkage results may be informative and focus the search for novel ADHD susceptibility genes. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mediator certification: What are some practitioners afraid of?
Authors: Austin Kelly , Gavrila Adi , Lack Jeremy , McIlwrath Michael , Meyer Judith , Monberg Tina , Kumberg Wolf von
Published: November 2008

Seven authors, all connected to the Netherlands‐based International Mediation Institute, which is establishing an international credentialing program, take issue with Tony Willis's October Alternatives cover story saying the initiative is doomed to fail
30th anniversary Annual Meeting sessions and speakers are announced
Authors: Bleemer Russ
Published: November 2008

The agenda and the speakers for the CPR Institute's Annual Meeting, coming in January, commemorating the organization's 30th anniversary. Also, an update on online on‐demand CLE; the final donors list from last month's fifth annual Corporate Leadership Award dinner, and more
Tetramethyl‐m‐benziporphodimethene and Isomeric α,β‐Unsaturated γ‐Lactam Embedded N‐Confused Tetramethyl‐m‐benziporphodimethenes
Authors: Chang Gao‐Fong , Kumar Anil , Ching Wei‐Min , Chu Han‐Wei , Hung Chen‐Hsiung
Published: November 2008

The condensation reaction of α,α′‐dihydroxy‐1,3‐diisopropylbenzene, pyrrole, and an aldehyde leads to the formation of tetramethyl‐m‐benziporphodimethene and outer α‐pyrrolic carbon oxygenated N‐confused tetramethyl‐m‐benziporphodimethenes containing a γ‐lactam ring in the macrocycle. Two isomers with the carbonyl group of the lactam ring either close to (O‐Up) or away from (O‐Down) the neighboring sp3 meso carbon were synthesized and characterized. The single crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis on the regular and γ‐lactam containing tetramethyl‐m‐benziporphodimethenes showed highly distorted macrocycles for all compounds. For O‐Up and O‐Down isomers, dimeric structures, assembling by intermolecular hydrogen‐bonding interactions through lactam rings, were observed in the solid state. Fitting the concentration dependent chemical shifts of the outer NH proton using the non‐linear regression method give a maximum association constant of 108.9 M−1 for the meso 4‐methylcarboxyphenyl substituted O‐Down isomer. The DFT calculations concluded that the O‐Up isomer is energetically more stable, and the keto form is more stable than the enol form.
Inorganic Metal Hydroxide Nanoparticles for Targeted Cellular Uptake Through Clathrin‐Mediated Endocytosis
Authors: Oh Jae‐Min , Choi Soo‐Jin , Lee Go‐Eun , Kim Jung‐Eun , Choy Jin‐Ho
Published: November 2008

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) are biocompatible materials which can be used as drug‐delivery nanovehicles. In order to define the optimum size of LDH nanoparticles for efficient cellular uptake and drug‐delivery pathway, we prepared different sized LDH nanoparticles with narrow size distribution by modulating the crystal growth rate, and labelled each LDH particle with a fluorophore using a silane coupling reaction. The cellular uptake rate of LDHs was found to be highly dependent on particle size (50>200≥100>350 nm), whose range of 50 to 200 nm was selectively internalized into cells through clathrin‐mediated endocytosis with enhanced permeability and retention. Our study clearly shows that not only the particle size plays an important role in the endocytic pathway and processing, but also the size control of LDH nanoparticles results in their targeted uptake to site‐specific clathrin‐mediated endocytosis. This result provides a new perspective for the design of LDH nanoparticles with maximum ability towards targeted drug delivery.
Preparation, Spectroscopic Properties, and Stability of Water‐Soluble Subphthalocyanines
Authors: Xu Hu , Ng Dennis K. P.
Published: November 2008

A series of subphthalocyanines containing an axial pyridyl, amino, or carboxy group have been prepared. They undergo N‐methylation or deprotonation readily to give a new series of water‐soluble subphthalocyanines. All the compounds have been characterized with various spectroscopic methods and elemental analysis. The molecular structure of the amino analogue SPc(OCH2CH2NMe2) (6) has also been determined by X‐ray diffraction analysis. All these compounds are essentially non‐aggregated in DMF as shown by the strong Q‐band absorption. The low aggregation tendency of these compounds also results in strong fluorescence emission and high efficiency in generating singlet oxygen. In the presence of Cremophor EL, these compounds also remain in the monomeric form in aqueous media and can sensitize the formation of singlet oxygen. The carboxy and carboxylate derivatives exhibit a relatively higher photostability than the amino and cationic pyridinium and ammonium counterparts, making them potentially useful as photosensitizers in aqueous media.
Pharmacokinetic properties of a 40 kDa branched polyethylene glycol‐modified form of consensus interferon‐α (PEG‐CIFN) in rhesus monkeys
Authors: Du Yu , Tian Hong , Gao Xiang‐Dong , Yao Wen‐Bing
Published: November 2008

The pharmacokinetic properties of a branched 40 kDa polyethylene glycol (PEG) conjugate formulation of consensus interferon‐α (CIFN) was evaluated in rhesus monkeys following subcutaneous administration. Four groups of rhesus monkeys (n=6 per group) received 1250, 300 and 150 µg/kg of PEG‐CIFN and 150 µg/kg CIFN, respectively. Serum concentrations of the interferons were measured with an antiviral activity assay at various time points after administration. The PK profiles of the pooled data were described by a noncompartmental method. Peak concentration of PEG‐CIFN was observed at 27–31 h, followed by a prolonged decay in comparison with the unmodified CIFN, the PEG‐CIFN had a 4–5‐fold longer terminal half‐life. The apparent clearance (dosesc/AUC) decreased from 150 mL/h/kg for CIFN to 19.0–45.5 mL/h/kg for PEG‐CIFNs. TheAUCwas lower for PEG‐CIFN than that for CIFN at the 150 µg/kg. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Protein Farnesyltransferase‐Catalyzed Isoprenoid Transfer to Peptide Depends on Lipid Size and Shape, not Hydrophobicity
Authors: Subramanian Thangaiah , Liu Suxia , Troutman Jerry M. , Andres Douglas A. , Spielmann H. Peter
Published: November 2008

Protein farnesyl transferase (FTase) catalyzes transfer of a 15‐carbon farnesyl group from farnesyl diphosphate (FPP) to a conserved cysteine in the C‐terminal Ca1a2X motif of a range of proteins, including the oncoprotein H‐Ras (“C” refers to the cysteine, “a” to any aliphatic amino acid, and “X” to any amino acid) and the lipid chain interacts with, and forms part of the Ca1a2X peptide binding site. Previous studies have shown that H‐Ras biological function is ablated when it is modified with lipids that are 3–5 orders of magnitude less hydrophobic than FPP. Here, we employed a library of anilinogeranyl diphosphate (AGPP) and phenoxygeranyl diphosphate (PGPP) derivatives with a range of polarities (log P (lipid alcohol)=0.7–6.8, log P (farnesol)=6.1) and shapes to examine whether FTase‐catalyzed transfer to peptide is dependent on the hydrophobicity of the lipid. Analysis of steady‐state transfer kinetics for analogues to dansyl–GCVLS peptide revealed that the efficiency of lipid transfer was highly dependent on both the shape and size, but was independent of the polarity of the analogue. These observations indicate that hydrophobic features of isoprenoids critical for their association with membranes and/or protein receptors are not required for efficient transfer to Ca1a2X peptides by FTase. Furthermore, the results of these studies indicate that the role played by the farnesyl lipid in the FTase mechanism is primarily structural. To explain these results we propose a model in which the FTase active site stabilizes a membrane interface‐like environment.
Nonlinear stereoselective pharmacokinetics of ketoconazole in rat after administration of racemate
Authors: Hamdy Dalia A. , Brocks Dion R.
Published: November 2008

The stereoselective pharmacokinetics of ketoconazole (KTZ) enantiomers were studied in rat after iv and oral administration of (±)‐KTZ. Sprague‐Dawley rats were administered racemic KTZ as 10 mg/kg iv or orally over the range 10–80 mg/kg as single doses. Serial blood samples were collected over a 24‐h period via surgically placed jugular vein cannulae. Plasma was assayed for KTZ enantiomer concentrations using stereospecific HPLC. Enantiomeric plasma protein binding was determined using an erythrocyte partitioning method at racemic concentrations of 10 and 40 mg/L. Stereoselective metabolism was tested by incubating the racemate (0.5–250 μM) with rat liver microsomes. In all rats, (+)‐KTZ plasma concentrations were higher (up to 2.5‐fold) than (−)‐KTZ. The clearance and volume of distribution of the (−) enantiomer were approximately twofold higher than antipode. Half‐life did not differ between the enantiomers. After oral doses thetmaxwas not stereoselective. For both enantiomers with higher doses the respective half‐life were found to increase. The mean unbound fraction of the (−) enantiomer was found to be up to threefold higher than that of the (+) enantiomer. At higher concentrations nonlinearity in plasma protein binding was observed for both enantiomers. There was no evidence of stereoselective metabolism by liver microsomes. Stereoselectivity in KTZ pharmacokinetics is attributable to plasma protein binding, although other processes such as transport or intestinal metabolism may also contribute. Chirality, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of chirality on PVP/drug interaction within binary physical mixtures of ibuprofen, ketoprofen, and naproxen: A DSC study
Authors: Ivanov Ivan T. , Tsokeva Zhivka
Published: November 2008

We report on the thermal behavior of freshly prepared binary drug/polymer physical mixtures that contained ibuprofen, ketoprofen, or naproxen as a drug, and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC), or methylcellulose (MC) as excipient. At 6–10°C/min heating rates the DSC detected a sharp, single endotherm that corresponds to the melting of drug. On heating physical mixtures of PVP and racemic ibuprofen or ketoprofen at lower heating rates, another endotherm was registered in front of the original one. To observe the additional endotherm, specific minimal values of the heating rate and of PVP weight fraction were needed; for ibuprofen and ketoprofen they were 1.5 and 2.0°C/min, and 5 and 15% (w/w), respectively. At greater PVP weight fractions the top temperatures, Tmp, of both peaks were reduced almost linearly indicating strong solid‐state interfacial reaction between the drug particles and PVP matrix. The additional endotherm was abolished at greater heating rates (2°C/min for ibuprofen, 3°C/min for ketoprofen), by replacing the racemate with respective S(+)‐enantiomer and by replacing PVP with HEC and MC. Hence, the possible inclusion of enantioselective component within the PVP/drug interaction, responsible for the amorphization of physical mixture over storage, is assumed. Chirality, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cancer patient preferences for quality and length of life
Authors: Meropol Neal J. , Egleston Brian L. , Buzaglo Joanne S. , Benson Al B. , Cegala Donald J. , Diefenbach Michael A. , Fleisher Linda , Miller Suzanne M. , Sulmasy Daniel P. , Weinfurt Kevin P. ,   CONNECT Study Research Group
Published: November 2008

BACKGROUND.

Optimal patient decision making requires integration of patient values, goals, and preferences with information received from the physician. In the case of a life‐threatening illness such as cancer, the weights placed on quality of life (QOL) and length of life (LOL) represent critical values. The objective of the current study was to describe cancer patient values regarding QOL and LOL and explore associations with communication preferences.

METHODS.

Patients with advanced cancer completed a computer‐based survey before the initial consultation with a medical oncologist. Assessments included sociodemographics, physical and mental health state, values regarding quality and length of life, communication preferences, and cancer‐related distress.

RESULTS.

Among 459 patients with advanced cancer, 55% placed equal valued on QOL and LOL, 27% preferred QOL, and 18% preferred LOL. Patients with a QOL preference had lower levels of cancer‐related distress (P < .001). A QOL preference was also associated with older age (P = .001), male sex (P = .003), and higher educational level (P = .062). Patients who preferred LOL over QOL desired a more supportive and less pessimistic communication style from their oncologists.

CONCLUSIONS.

These data indicate that a values preference for LOL versus QOL may be simply measured, and is associated with wishes regarding the nature of oncologist communication. Awareness of these values during the clinical encounter could improve decision making by influencing the style and content of the communication between oncologists and their patients. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Elucidating the Beneficial Effect of Vinylene Carbonate on the Electrochemistry of Antimony Electrodes in Lithium Batteries
Authors: Martín Francisco , Morales Julián , Sánchez Luis
Published: November 2008

Vinylene carbonate (VC) is an effective electrolyte additive for improving electrode performance in lithium‐ion batteries. We confirm its beneficial effects in a nanosized Sb–cellulose fiber composite electrode and examine its mechanism of action by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, the most suitable technique for characterizing active particle surfaces (especially electrode/electrolyte interfaces). Vinylene carbonate clearly increases electrolyte stability (particularly that of LiPF6) by avoiding the formation of a thick layer of LiF that conceals Sb and prevents its reaction with Li. Decreasing the layer thickness therefore increases the reversibility of the electrochemical reaction and improves capacity retention on cycling. The presence of VC afforded high‐quality Sb 4d and Li 1s photoemissions, fitting of which clearly exposed a previously unreported low‐energy component. We believe that this component is an LixSb alloy, which for the first time is identified spectroscopically.
Hangman Salen Platforms Containing Dibenzofuran Scaffolds
Authors: Yang Jenny Y. , Liu Shih‐Yuan , Korendovych Ivan V. , Rybak‐Akimova Elena V. , Nocera Daniel G.
Published: November 2008

The synthesis of salen ligands bearing two rigid dibenzofuran spacers functionalized with carboxylic acid and benzoic acid groups completes a series of “Hangman” ligands with the acid functionalities differentially extended across the molecular cleft. Stopped‐flow studies show that a high‐valent metal oxo intermediate is produced at Hangman platforms when H2O2is employed as a primary oxidant. The activity of this oxo species in promoting the disproportionation of hydrogen peroxide and olefin epoxidations is discussed in the context of the distance between the acid group and the metal center. The chemistry of the Hangman oxo complexes described here provides a roadmap for water‐splitting chemistry.
Recent Advances in CO2 Capture and Utilization
Authors: Yu Kai Man Kerry , Curcic Igor , Gabriel Joseph , Tsang Shik Chi Edman
Published: November 2008

Energy and the environment are two of the most important issues this century. More than 80 % of our energy comes from the combustion of fossil fuels, which will still remain the dominant energy source for years to come. It is agreed that carbon dioxide produced from the combustion process to be the most important anthropogenic greenhouse gas leading to global warming. Atmospheric CO2 concentrations have indeed increased by almost 100 ppm since their pre‐industrial level, reaching 384 ppm in 2007 with a total annual emission of over 35 Gt. Prompt global action to resolve the CO2 crisis is therefore needed. To pursue such an action, we are urged to save energy without the unnecessary production of carbon emissions and to use energy in more efficient ways, but alternative methods to mitigate the greenhouse gas have to be considered. This Minireview highlights some recent promising research activities and their prospects in the areas of carbon capture and storage and chemical fixation of CO2 in constructing a future low‐carbon global economy with reference to energy source, thermodynamic considerations, net carbon emissions and availability of reagents.
Metastable Sr0.5TaO3 Perovskite Oxides Prepared by Nanosheet Processing
Authors: Inaba Keigo , Suzuki Shinya , Noguchi Yuji , Miyayama Masaru , Toda Kenji , Sato Mineo
Published: November 2008

Metastable Sr0.5TaO3 with a perovskite structure was prepared by using layer‐structured H2Sr1.5Ta3O10 by two different processes: direct dehydration and nanosheet processing, and the photocatalytic activities of the obtained structures were investigated for the evolution of H2 and O2 from distilled water under UV light irradiation. The average gas evolution rates were 66 μmol h–1 (H2) and 16 μmol h–1 (O2) for Sr0.5TaO3 prepared by direct dehydration, whereas those obtained by nanosheet processing were 126 μmol h–1 (H2) and 33 μmol h–1 (O2). It was shown that nanosheet processing is effective for obtaining metastable Sr0.5TaO3 with high photocatalytic activities. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Reaction of 1,2‐Diaza‐1,3‐butadienes with Aminophosphorus Nucleophiles: A Practical Access to New Phosphorylated Pyrazolones
Authors: Attanasi Orazio A. , Baccolini Graziano , Boga Carla , De Crescentini Lucia , Giorgi Gianluca , Mantellini Fabio , Nicolini Simona
Published: November 2008

The reaction of 1,2‐diaza‐1,3‐butadienes with dibenzyl diisopropylphosphoramidite, methyl tetraisopropylphosphorodiamidite or tris(dimethylamino)phosphane under solvent‐free conditions gave stable α‐phosphoranylidene‐hydrazones that, in turn, were transformed into the corresponding 5‐oxo‐4‐phosphoranylidene‐4,5‐dihydro‐1H‐pyrazoles. X‐ray diffraction analysis of one of these derivatives is reported. α‐Phosphoranylidene‐hydrazones, derived from the reaction between 1,2‐diaza‐1,3‐butadienes with dibenzyl diisopropylphosphoramidite, were converted by hydrolytic cleavage into (E)‐hydrazono‐phosphonates, which are useful for the preparation of the corresponding (3‐oxo‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐pyrazol‐4‐yl)phosphonamidates.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Magnetically Assembled Multisegmented Nanowires and Their Applications
Authors: Bangar Mangesh A. , Hangarter Carlos M. , Yoo Bongyoung , Rheem Youngwoo , Chen Wilfred , Mulchandani Ashok , Myung Nosang V.
Published: November 2008

Here we report a cost effective and versatile way of synthesizing and assembling multi‐functional (e.g., gold‐polypyrrole‐nickel‐gold) nanowires. Multisegmented nanowires were synthesized using electrodeposition method for precise control over segment dimensions for proper expression of material functionality. The nanowires were integrated on microfabricated electrodes using magnetic dipole interactions between the ferromagnetic segment in the nanowire and the ferromagnetic electrodes. The electrical properties of multisegmented nanowires showed semiconducting behavior with the activation energy of ca. 0.27 eV for the conducting polymer segment of the nanowire. These nanowire devices showed response towards light and exposure to ammonia, demonstrating their potential use as photonic device and gas sensor, respectively.
Double‐Layer Nanogold and Double‐Strand DNA‐Modified Electrode for Electrochemical Immunoassay of Cancer Antigen 15‐3
Authors: Yang Yadong , Zhong Zhaoyang , Liu Hongming , Zhu Tangyou , Wu Jinjin , Li Mengxia , Wang Dong
Published: November 2008

Various sensor‐based immunoassay methods have been extensively developed for the detection of cancer antigen 15‐3 (CA 15‐3), but most often exhibit low detection signals and low detection sensitivity, and are unsuitable for routine use. The aim of this work is to develop a simple and sensitive electrochemical immunoassay for CA 15‐3 in human serum by using nanogold and DNA‐modified immunosensors. Prussian blue (PB), as a good mediator, was initially electrodeposited on a gold electrode surface, then double‐layer nanogold particles and double‐strand DNA (dsDNA) with the sandwich‐type architecture were constructed on the PB‐modified surface in turn, and then anti‐CA 15‐3 antibodies were adsorbed onto the surface of nanogold particles. The double‐layer nanogold particles provided a good microenvironment for the immobilization of biomolecules. The presence of dsDNA enhanced the surface coverage of protein, and improved the sensitivity of the immunosensor. The performance and factors influencing the performance of the immunosensor were evaluated. Under optimal conditions, the proposed immunosensor exhibited a wide linear range from 1.0 to 240 ng/mL with a relatively low detection limit of 0.6 ng/mL (S/N=3) towards CA 15‐3. The stability, reproducibility and precision of the as‐prepared immunosensor were acceptable. 57 serum specimens were assayed by the developed immunosensor and standard enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively, and the results obtained were almost consistent. More importantly, the proposed methodology could be further developed for the immobilization of other proteins and biocompounds.