bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Aufrechterhaltung der gemeinsamen Kultur”. Die Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft und die Österreichisch‐Deutsche Wissenschaftshilfe in der Zwischenkriegszeit
Authors: Fengler Silke , Luxbacher Günther
Published: December 2011

“Maintaining a Common Culture” – The German Research Foundation and the Austrian‐German Scientific Aid in the Interbellum. After the end of the Great War, private as well as public research funding in Austria was anaemic and slow to develop. Whereas the German state‐funded Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) was established as early as 1920, first steps in that direction were only taken in Austria in the late 1920s. In 1929, the Österreichisch‐deutsche Wissenschaftshilfe (ÖDW) was founded under the auspices of the Austrian Academy of Sciences and the DFG. Although prima facie on an equal footing, the new research funding organisation was in fact highly dependent on its German cooperation partner. The article explores for the first time ÖDW's position within the German and Austrian science and foreign policies, which aimed to promote the idea of unification of both states within the German Reich. A quantitative analysis of the subsidies policy in the first five years of existence shows that the ÖDW gave financial aid primarily to conservative research fields‘ affecting the intellectual balance of power in the First Austrian Republic. Policy continuities and discontinuities of the organisation in the course of the national‐socialist rise to power in Germany after 1933 are examined in the second part of the article. The article thus both increases our knowledge about the most important German research funding organisation DFG‘ and identifies some of the fundamental structural features of Austrian science policy in the interwar years.
Context‐aware and LBS learning systems using ubiquitous teaching assistant (u‐TA): A case study for service‐learning courses
Authors: Dow Chyi‐Ren , Huang Lu‐Hui
Published: December 2011

A ubiquitous teaching assistant (u‐TA) system is developed using software agent techniques to facilitate teaching purposes and often used for a virtual classroom or virtual laboratory. In these kinds of virtual learning environments, u‐TA is often used to assist learners by using desktop computers or laptops. With the development of u‐learning, u‐TA should consist of good mobility for guiding students and answering students' questions on mobile handheld devices. Therefore, the mobility of u‐TA should be enhanced. This study proposes a system that uses the u‐TA framework to construct a context‐aware and location‐based service (LBS) guiding system to introduce the essence of Service‐Learning courses to students and help them browse the content of the course resources on campus. We gave a case study for using our proposed system to promote the Service‐Learning courses in Feng Chia University, Taiwan. Experiments were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed system. The experimental results show that the proposed system can help students enhance understanding on Service‐Learning courses in school and encourage students to participate in these curricula.© 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 22:604–616, 2014; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/cae; DOI 10.1002/cae.21552
SBA‐16‐Supported Cobalt Catalyst with High Activity and Stability for Fischer–Tropsch Synthesis
Authors: Zhao Yanxi , Zhang Yuhua , Chen Jian , Li Jinlin , Liew Kongyong , Nordin Mohd Ridzuan Bin
Published: December 2011

SBA‐16 molecular sieves were used as support to prepare cobalt catalyst for Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS). The catalysts were characterized by using TEM, power XRD, temperature‐programmed reduction, and N2 adsorption–desorption. The analyses indicate that most of the Co3O4 nanoparticles were introduced into the SBA‐16 cages, and the SBA‐16 mesostructure was retained after cobalt impregnation. The Co/SBA‐16 catalyst exhibited higher cobalt dispersion compared to the Co/SiO2 catalyst. The catalytic properties of the catalysts in FTS were evaluated in a fixed‐bed reactor. The effect of the addition of water was measured in a continuously stirred tank reactor. High FTS activity and stability were observed on the SBA‐16‐supported catalyst. The SBA‐16‐supported cobalt catalyst shows low mobility of cobalt particles in the SBA‐16 cages. Unlike silica, the SBA‐16 support can efficiently prevent the aggregation and sintering of cobalt nanoparticles.
Functionalized Ionic Liquids for the Synthesis of Metal Nanoparticles and their Application in Catalysis
Authors: Luska Kylie L. , Moores Audrey
Published: December 2011

Colloidal suspensions of metal nanoparticles (NPs) in non‐functionalized ionic liquids (ILs) are active catalysts for a wide variety of organic transformations. The weak ionic interaction between the IL and the metal surface provides a bare particle with a high concentration of active metal sites. However, the long‐term stabilities can be affected as the IL cannot provide sufficient stabilization and aggregation of the NPs under catalytic conditions limits the reuse of NP:IL catalysts. ILs functionalized with a metal‐binding moiety (FILs) can alleviate this agglomeration problem and provide catalysts with improved activities and recyclabilities. The enhanced stability is provided by the covalent attachment of the stabilizer to the metal surface, which holds the electrostatic stabilizing IL headgroup at the outer ligand sphere of the NP. FILs have been used in the synthesis of NPs as soluble ligands in aqueous, organic or IL solution, as neat solvents, as anchors to immobilize NPs onto a solid support and incorporated into polymeric stabilizers. This Minireview discusses the synthesis and application of NP:FIL systems, with an emphasis on catalysis.
Chemometric analysis for optimizing derivatization in gas chromatography‐based procedures
Authors: Kumirska Jolanta , Migowska Natalia , Caban Magda , Plenis Alina , Stepnowski Piotr
Published: December 2011

This paper focuses on the application of principal component analysis (PCA) to facilitate the optimization of the derivatization of oestrogenic steroids—estrone, 17β‐estradiol, estriol, 17α‐ethinylestradiol and diethylstilbestrol—in order to achieve (1) the complete derivatization of all the hydroxyl groups contained in the structure of the compounds and (2) the greatest effectiveness of this reaction. Six different derivatization reagents were used in this study, whereas 2‐methyl‐anthracene was applied as the internal standard to evaluate the effectiveness of the reactions. The experimental data were subjected to PCA. With PCA, the dimensionality of the original multivariable data set could be reduced and the selection of optimum conditions for derivatization facilitated. The mixture of 99% N,O‐bis(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide + 1% trimethylchlorosilane and pyridine (1:1, v/v) at 60 °C for 30 min has been established as the most convenient and efficient means of derivatizing the aforementioned oestrogenic steroids and diethylstilbestrol; the N‐methyl‐N‐(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide + pyridine (1:1, v/v) mixture seems to be a promising alternative. The application of PCA for optimizing the derivatization procedure, proposed for the first time in this study, is particularly useful in the development of multicomponent methods across several chemical classes of compounds. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
One‐Pot Aqueous Solution Syntheses of Iron Oxide Nanostructures with Controlled Crystal Phases through a Microbial‐Mineralization‐Inspired Approach
Authors: Oaki Yuya , Yagita Naoki , Imai Hiroaki
Published: December 2011

Iron‐oxidizing bacteria produce trivalent iron oxides with the controlled crystal phases outside of their cells. Herein we have synthesized iron oxides with controlled oxidation states and crystal phases through a microbial‐mineralization‐inspired approach in an aqueous solution at low temperature. Trivalent iron oxides, such as lepidocrocite, ferrihydrite, goethite, and hematite, are selectively obtained from an aqueous solution containing divalent iron ions below 90 °C. The presence of a chelating agent facilitates the control of the oxidation states through the ligand‐controlled approach because the precipitation of the divalent iron species is inhibited by the complexation between divalent iron ion and a chelating agent. The control of the crystal phases is achieved by the tuning of the synthetic conditions, such as the initial pH, the concentration of a chelating agent, and the reaction temperature. Furthermore, the resultant iron oxides have hierarchically organized structures consisting of nanoscale objects. The microbial‐mineralization‐inspired approach by using a chelating agent has potentials for the further morphological control of iron oxides and the further application to aqueous‐solution syntheses of other metal oxides.
Liquid circulation hydrodynamics in an external loop airlift reactor
Authors: Huang Zi‐Bin , Cheng Zhen‐Min
Published: December 2011

The radial profiles of axial liquid velocity and gas hold‐ups are investigated in the riser of a pilot plant scale external loop airlift reactor (ELAR) using a modified Pavlov tube and differential pressure technique. The experimental investigation reveals that there exist two different kinds of liquid circulation structures in an ELAR, which has rarely been reported in the literature, namely internal liquid circulation, which exists only in the riser and external liquid circulation, which circulates through the downcomer. A power–law relationship is used to correlate the gas hold‐up and superficial gas velocity, which gives good agreement with experimental data. Experiments for axial liquid velocity profiles are analysed in analogy to a model described for a conventional bubble column. The results predicted by the model are in excellent agreement with the experimental data obtained under various operating conditions. © 2011 Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering
RAFT‐Derived Polymer–Drug Conjugates: Poly(hydroxypropyl methacrylamide) (HPMA)–7‐Ethyl‐10‐hydroxycamptothecin (SN‐38) Conjugates
Authors: Williams Charlotte C. , Thang San H. , Hantke Tina , Vogel Uwe , Seeberger Peter H. , Tsanaktsidis John , Lepenies Bernd
Published: December 2011

A series of well‐defined polymer–drug conjugates were prepared in order to modify the physical properties of a known cytotoxic drug, 7‐ethyl‐10‐hydroxycamptothecin (SN‐38), the active metabolite of irinotecan (CPT‐11). Reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerisation was used to covalently and site‐specifically append a defined N‐(2‐hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA) polymer to SN‐38 using a graft‐from process. These poly‐HPMA–SN‐38 conjugates displayed excellent aqueous solubility and stability, whilst retaining the cytotoxic activity of the parent SN‐38. In vitro co‐culture assays containing both cancer and noncancer cell lines demonstrated the specificity of RAFT‐derived poly‐HPMA–SN‐38 conjugates for cancerous cells. The concept of post‐optimisation modification of small‐molecule drugs through a graft‐from polymer conjugation method is introduced.
Corporate Environmental Information Disclosure: Factors Influencing Companies' Success in Attaining Environmental Awards
Authors: Hassan Abeer , Ibrahim Essam
Published: December 2011

This study will identify the factors that may influence companies' success in attaining environmental awards. Based on existing literature, several variables that are expected to have an influence on the receipt of an environmental award were selected and their levels of disclosure were tested empirically using a sample of UK FTSE 100 companies. The selected variables considered were industry membership; stakeholder engagement; external (formal) assurance; the presence of an environmental management system (EMS); and specific environmental activities in the areas of packaging, waste management, recycling, climate change risk, climate change activities, and carbon footprint. The results reveal that the influencing factors for receipt of an environmental award are the presence of an environmental management system (EMS); stakeholder engagement; and disclosure on specific environmental activities (waste management, climate change risk, and climate change activities). The results also show that the level of environmental disclosure and the consequent possibility of receiving an award, are influenced by industry membership; the extent of environmental information disclosure are not the same in all industries. Companies belonging to carbon‐intensive industries were found to be more likely to receive an award than companies from non carbon‐intensive industries. Contrary to expectations, no evidence was found to support the influence of disclosure on formal or external assurance and some specific environmental activities (packaging, recycling). Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Cytologic findings of a clear cell parathyroid lesion
Authors: Papanicolau‐Sengos Antonios , Brumund Kevin , Lin Grace , Hasteh Farnaz
Published: December 2011

On fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy, clear cell parathyroid lesions can be misdiagnosed as thyroid neoplasms, salivary gland neoplasms, paraganglioma, or even metastatic renal cell carcinoma. We report the clinicopathological, cytologic, and histologic findings of a clear cell parathyroid tumor in a 64‐year‐old HIV‐positive patient. A computed tomography (CT) scan with contrast showed a heterogeneous and enhancing mass at the inferolateral aspect of the left thyroid lobe. FNA showed a cellular smear with many single and loosely clustered tumor cells with finely granular and vacuolated light‐purple cytoplasm and central nuclei. Occasional microfollicular structures were noted. No colloid was seen. This FNA was misdiagnosed as a follicular neoplasm of the thyroid. Sections of the excised mass showed large polyhedral cells with well‐defined cell membranes and clear cytoplasm with a small amount of eosinophilic granular material. These clear cells were positive for pancytokeratin and PTH immunohistochemical stains. These results favored a diagnosis of parathyroid Water Clear Cell Adenoma. This brief report highlights the cytologic findings of clear cell parathyroid lesions and their potential diagnostic pitfalls. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2013;41:725–728. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The application of immunocytochemistry to cytologic direct smears of metastatic merkel cell carcinoma
Authors: Knoepp Stewart M. , Hookim Kim , Placido Jeremiah , Fields Kristina L. , Roh Michael H.
Published: December 2011

Merkel cell carcinoma represents a highly aggressive cutaneous malignancy characterized by regional recurrences, lymph node metastases, distant metastases, and high mortality. As the cytomorphology of Merkel cell carcinoma can be mimicked by other malignancies, especially lymphoma and pulmonary small cell carcinoma, immunocytochemistry is often useful in confirming the diagnosis. Cell blocks, which are traditionally utilized for immunocytochemistry, occasionally exhibit insufficient cellularity. Hence, we prospectively investigated the application of CK20 immunocytochemistry to air‐dried, unstained direct smears in the diagnosis of Merkel cell carcinoma fine needle aspirates (FNAs). Eight consecutive FNAs of Merkel cell carcinoma were prospectively examined in this series; seven (88%) cases exhibited immunoreactivity for CK20 in the tumor cells. The one CK20‐negative Merkel cell carcinoma was immunoreactive for synaptophysin and CD56. This immunophenotype was identical to that of the original primary tumor. For comparison, air‐dried direct smears prepared from three pulmonary small cell carcinoma FNAs were examined by CK20 immunocytochemistry. In all cases, no CK20 immunoreactivity was seen in any of the tumor cells. In conclusion, direct smears represent a feasible and robust source of cellular material for immunocytochemical studies to diagnose Merkel cell carcinoma. This methodology allows the cytologist to confirm on site that material for diagnostic immunocytochemistry is present thereby serving as a safeguard in instances where insufficient cell block cellularity is anticipated or encountered. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2013;41:729–733. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The epigenome in early vertebrate development
Authors: Bogdanović Ozren , van Heeringen Simon J. , Veenstra Gert Jan C.
Published: December 2011

Epigenetic regulation defines the commitment and potential of cells, including the limitations in their competence to respond to inducing signals. This review discusses the developmental origins of chromatin state in Xenopus and other vertebrate species and provides an overview of its use in genome annotation. In most metazoans the embryonic genome is transcriptionally quiescent after fertilization. This involves nucleosome‐dense chromatin, repressors and a temporal deficiency in the transcription machinery. Active histone modifications such as H3K4me3 appear in pluripotent blastula embryos, whereas repressive marks such as H3K27me3 show a major increase in enrichment during late blastula and gastrula stages. The H3K27me3 modification set by Polycomb restricts ectopic lineage‐specific gene expression. Pluripotent chromatin in Xenopus embryos is relatively unconstrained, whereas the pluripotent cell lineage in mammalian embryos harbors a more enforced type of pluripotent chromatin. genesis 50:192–206, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Enhanced structural stability of Concholepas hemocyanin increases its immunogenicity and maintains its non‐specific immunostimulatory effects
Authors: Arancibia Sergio , Campo Miguel Del , Nova Esteban , Salazar Fabián , Becker María Inés
Published: December 2011

Hemocyanins, which boost the immune system of mammals, have been used as carrier‐adjuvants to promote Ab production against haptens and peptides, as immunostimulants during therapy for bladder carcinoma and as a component in therapeutic vaccines for cancer. These biomedical applications have led to growing interest in obtaining hemocyanins with high immunogenicity. Here, we study the immunological properties of a modified oxidized Concholepas concholepas hemocyanin (Ox‐CCH) obtained by the oxidation of its carbohydrates using sodium periodate. We assessed the internalization of Ox‐CCH into DCs and its immunogenicity and antitumor effects. Transmission electron microscopy showed no changes in Ox‐CCH quaternary structure with respect to native CCH, although proteolytic treatment followed by SDS‐PAGE analysis demonstrated that Schiff bases were formed. Interestingly, DCs internalized Ox‐CCH faster than CCH, mainly through macropinocytosis. During this process, Ox‐CCH remained inside endosome‐like structures for a longer period. Mouse immunization experiments demonstrated that Ox‐CCH is more immunogenic and a better carrier than CCH. Moreover, Ox‐CCH showed a significant antitumor effect in the B16F10 melanoma model similar to that produced by CCH, inducing IFN‐γ secretion. Together, these data demonstrate that the aldehydes formed by the periodate oxidation of sugar moieties stabilizes the CCH structure, increasing its adjuvant/immunostimulatory carrier effects.
Natalizumab treatment perturbs memory‐ and marginal zone‐like B‐cell homing in secondary lymphoid organs in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Planas Raquel , Jelc̆ić Ilijas , Schippling Sven , Martin Roland , Sospedra Mireia
Published: December 2011

Natalizumab, an antibody against the α4 subunit of α4 integrins, has been approved for multiple sclerosis (MS) therapy based on its high efficacy and safety profile. However, natalizumab has been associated with the development of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a disorder caused by JC virus (JCV) infection. In order to improve our understanding of the mechanism of action of natalizumab and to identify possible risk factors for PML development, we have characterized in detail the cell blood composition in MS patients treated with natalizumab for more than 30 months. Natalizumab induced the release of lymphoid‐ but not myeloid precursor cells, which resulted in a chronic increase ofT‐, NK‐ and particularly B cells. While the percentage of recent thymic emigrants (RTEs), naϊve, effector or memory T cells remained unchanged during treatment, a higher percentage of memory‐ and marginal zone (MZ)‐like, but not of naϊve B cells, was observed, which most likely is due to a decreased retention of these cells within the splenic MZ. The ability of natalizumab to influence B‐cell migration and homeostasis through the splenic MZ, where JCV has been detected, adds to the list of natalizumab effects and may contribute to PML development by disseminating JCV.
Searching for health beneficial n‐3 and n‐6 fatty acids in plant seeds
Authors: Kuhnt Katrin , Degen Christian , Jaudszus Anke , Jahreis Gerhard
Published: December 2011

Various plant seeds have received little attention in fatty acid research. Seeds from 30 species mainly of Boraginaceae and Primulaceae were analysed in order to identify potential new sources of the n‐3 PUFA α‐linolenic acid (ALA) and stearidonic acid (SDA) and of the n‐6 PUFA γ‐linolenic acid (GLA). The fatty acid distribution differed enormously between genera of the same family. Echium species (Boraginaceae) contained the highest amount of total n‐3 PUFA (47.1%), predominantly ALA (36.6%) and SDA (10.5%) combined with high GLA (10.2%). Further species of Boraginaceae rich in both SDA and GLA were Omphalodes linifolia (8.4, 17.2%, resp.), Cerinthe minor (7.5, 9.9%, resp.) and Buglossoides purpureocaerulea (6.1, 16.6%, resp.). Alkanna species belonging to Boraginaceae had comparable amounts of ALA (37.3%) and GLA (11.4%) like Echium but lower SDA contents (3.7%). Different genera of Primulaceae (Dodecatheon and Primula) had varying ALA (14.8, 28.8%, resp.) and GLA portions (4.1, 1.5%, resp.), but similar amounts of SDA (4.9, 4.5%, resp.). Cannabis sativa cultivars (Cannabaceae) were rich in linoleic acid (57.1%), but poor in SDA and GLA (0.8, 2.7%, resp.). In conclusion, several of the presented plant seeds contain considerable amounts of n‐3 PUFA and GLA, which could be relevant for nutritional purposes due to their biological function as precursors for eicosanoid synthesis.

Practical applications: N‐3 PUFA are important for human health and nutrition. Unfortunately, due to the increasing world population, overfishing of the seas and generally low amounts of n‐3 PUFA in major oil crops, there is a demand for new sources of n‐3 PUFA. One approach involves searching for potential vegetable sources of n‐3 PUFA; especially those rich in ALA and SDA. The conversion of ALA to SDA in humans is dependent on the rate‐limiting Δ6‐desaturation. Plant‐derived SDA is therefore a promising precursor regarding the endogenous synthesis of n‐3 long‐chain PUFA in humans. The present study shows that, in addition to seed oil of Echium, other species of Boraginaceae (Cerinthe, Omphalodes, Lithospermum, Buglossoides) and Primulaceae (Dodecatheon, Primula), generally high in n‐3 PUFA (30–50%), contain considerable amounts of SDA (5–10%). Therefore, these seed oils could be important for nutrition.
Chemical modifications of Sterculia foetida L. oil to branched ester derivatives
Authors: Manurung Robert , Daniel Louis , van de Bovenkamp Hendrik H. , Buntara Teddy , Maemunah Siti , Kraai Gerard , Makertihartha I. G. B. N. , Broekhuis Antonius A. , Heeres Hero J.
Published: December 2011

An experimental study to modify Sterculia foetida L. oil (STO) or the corresponding methyl esters (STO FAME) to branched ester derivatives is reported. The transformations involve conversion of the cyclopropene rings in the fatty acid chains of STO through various catalytic as well as stoichiometric reactions. Full conversion of the cyclopropene rings was obtained using Diels–Alder chemistry involving cyclopentadiene in water at 40°C without the need for a catalyst. Olefin metathesis reactions were performed using a Grubbs 2nd generation catalyst and cyclopropene ring conversion was ≥99 and 54 mol% with 2,3‐dimethyl‐2‐butene and 1‐octene, respectively. Oxidation reactions were performed using established epoxidation (Sharpless) and dihydroxylation (Prilezhaev) protocols using aqueous hydrogen peroxide as the oxidant. For both reactions, full conversion of the cyclopropene rings was obtained at RT to yield the corresponding α,β‐unsaturated ketone in good selectivities. Rearrangement reactions of the cyclopropene rings to the corresponding conjugated diene were successfully performed using homogeneous and heterogeneous palladium catalysts. Excellent conversions (≥99%) were obtained using homogeneous palladium catalyst in a biphasic cyclohexane–water mixture (1:1) at 90°C. Relevant cold flow properties of all products were determined and compared to crude STO and STO FAME. Best results were obtained for the metathesis products of STO with 1‐octene, with a cloud point (CP) and pour point (PP) of −12°C.

Practical applications: The S. foetida L. tree produces a tropical oil with high potential to be converted to various oleochemical products. The oil contains cyclopropene rings in the fatty acid chains which are known to be very reactive and as such excellent starting materials for various chemical modification reactions. We here report an experimental study on the modifications of STO into novel branched ester derivatives which are prospective products for a range of applications. Examples are the use as cold‐flow improvers for biodiesel or biolubricants (ester derivatives with long, aliphatic branches), as reactive building block material for resin, coatings and/or packaging application (derivatives containing unsaturated (cyclic) structures in the fatty acid chains).
Synthesis and Structural Study of ribo‐Dioxaphosphorinane‐Constrained Nucleic Acid Dinucleotides (ribo‐α,β‐D‐CNA)
Authors: Maturano Marie , Catana Dan‐Andrei , Lavedan Pierre , Tarrat Nathalie , Saffon Nathalie , Payrastre Corinne , Escudier Jean‐Marc
Published: December 2011

With increasing interest in the control of the conformations of nucleic acids to define active riboswitch or siRNA, we present herein our efforts towards the stereocontrolled synthesis and conformational analysis of ribodinucleotides in which α and β torsional angles are constrained within a dioxaphosphorinane structure (ribo‐α,β‐D‐CNA). The crystal structure analysis of one α,β‐D‐CNA TU dimer demonstrates the absolute stereochemistry of the newly created asymmetric centres. NMR and CD analyses allowed complete assignment and the determination of the torsional angles in the α,β‐D‐CNA UU diastereoisomers.
Unexpected Diastereoselective Acetylation of 1,8‐Dimethoxyanthracene Adducts with Maleic Anhydride and Dimethyl Maleate
Authors: Sereda Grigoriy A. , Moorthy Ramkumar , Basa Prem N. , Sykes Andrew G. , Purohit Kaushalkumar , Rajpara Vikul B. , Becht Dustin C.
Published: December 2011

Friedel–Crafts acetylation of adducts between 1,8‐dimethoxyanthracene and maleic anhydride or dimethyl maleate proceeds with a strong preference toward the syn diastereomer. This stereoselectivity is especially prominent for the anhydride counterpart. Dependence of the observed selectivity on the adduct structure is rationalized by the analysis of computed HOMO energies of the reactants and relative energies of the intermediate σ‐complexes. The possible undesired intermolecular condensation of the anhydride did not take place because of steric hindrance. Structures of the reaction products were unambiguously confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The reported stereoselectivity of acetylation provides facile access to compounds with the functionalized benzene ring in a syn arrangement with respect to the pendant carboxyl substituents.
Exploiting the Divergent Reactivity of Isocyanoacetates: One‐Pot Three‐Component Synthesis of Functionalized Angular Furoquinolines
Authors: Bouma Marinus J. , Masson Géraldine , Zhu Jieping
Published: December 2011

A one‐pot, three‐component synthesis of polysubstituted furo[2,3‐c]quinoline 1 was developed based on the new reactivity profile of α‐(4‐nitrophenyl)‐α‐isocyanoacetates. Simply mixing aldehydes 2, ortho‐alkynylanilines 3, and α‐(4‐nitrophenyl)‐α‐isocyanoacetates 4 in methanol at room temperature, followed by addition of toluene and heating to reflux, provided the polysubstituted furo[2,3‐c]quinolines in moderate to excellent yields. Mechanistically, the three‐component reaction of 2, 3, and 4 leading to 5‐alkoxyoxazoles was followed by a domino sequence involving Diels–Alder/retro‐Diels–Alder/oxidation reactions. In this one‐pot process, five chemical bonds were created with concurrent formation of two heterocyclic rings. The reaction was performed under thermal conditions and no external reagent was needed to promote this mechanistically intriguing reaction.
Recent developments in CE and CEC of peptides (2009–2011)
Authors: Kašička Václav
Published: December 2011

The review brings a comprehensive survey of the recent developments of high‐performance electroseparation methods in capillary and microchip formats: zone electrophoresis, isotachophoresis, isoelectric focusing, affinity electrophoresis, electrokinetic chromatography and electrochromatography. Applications of these techniques to analysis, isolation, purification and physicochemical and biochemical characterization of peptides are described. Advances in the investigation of electromigration properties of peptides, and in the methodology of their analysis, such as sample preparation, adsorption suppression, EOF control and detection, are presented. New developments, in particular, CE and CEC modes are reported and several types of their applications to peptide analysis are described: conventional qualitative and quantitative analysis, determination in complex (bio)matrices, monitoring of chemical and enzymatical reactions and physical changes, amino acid, sequence and chiral analysis, and peptide mapping of proteins. Some micropreparative peptide separations are shown and capabilities of CE and CEC techniques to provide relevant physicochemical characteristics of peptides are demonstrated.
Enhanced electrotransformation of the ethanologen Zymomonas mobilis ZM4 with plasmids
Authors: Zou Shao‐lan , Zhang Kun , You Le , Zhao Xue‐ming , Jing Xin , Zhang Min‐hua
Published: December 2011

The Zymomonas mobilis ZM4 strain with excellent ethanol‐producing capabilities was the first strain of Z. mobilis, which was sequenced. This strain is resistant to transformation, and no previous study has shown a detailed protocol for electrotransfer of ZM4 with foreign DNA. In this work, many electrical and biological parameters were selected and evaluated in order to optimize the electrotransformation of ZM4. First, improved transformation efficiencies of 11 896, 99, 96 and 5989 transformants/μg DNA were separately achieved with shuttle plasmid pZB21‐mini (3082 bp), pZB21 (5930 bp), pZA22 (6994 bp) and broad‐host‐range vector pBBR1MCS‐2 (5144 bp) all prepared from Escherichia coli JM110. The crucial factors affecting the transformation efficiency included the source of the plasmid (the best strain was ZM4), origin and size of the plasmids, growth phase of the cells (the most ideal phase was early log phase with OD600 of 0.3–0.4), the electric field strength (generally 11.75 kV/cm–13.25 kV/cm) and the recovery time (3–24 h). Further, based upon the optimal transformation protocol mentioned above for replicative plasmids in ZM4, (i) the electrotransformation by recombinant plasmid pBBR1MCS‐2‐Pgap‐FLP (6880 bp) was an immediate success with the transformation efficiency 102 transformants/μg DNA; (ii) the site‐specific integration efficiencies (expressed in terms of “per μg of DNA”) of 3–6 integrating transformants was obtained using the integrating plasmid pBR328‐ldhR‐cml‐ldhL (7447 bp). This study will assist genetic and biotechnological research of ZM4 and other Z. mobilis strains by providing information about suitable vectors and a more universal and reliable procedure for introducing DNA into this strain.
Improved algal oil production from Botryococcus braunii by feeding nitrate and phosphate in an airlift bioreactor
Authors: Xu Ling , Wang Feng , Guo Chen , Liu Chun‐Zhao
Published: December 2011

To improve biomass and microalgal oil production of Botryococcus braunii, fed‐batch culture was investigated in an airlift photobioreactor. The optimal feeding time of the fed‐batch culture was after 15 days of cultivation, where 1.82 g/L of the microalgal biomass was obtained in the batch culture. Nitrate nutrient was the restrictive factor for the fed‐batch cultivation while phosphate nutrient with high concentration did not affect the microalgal growth. The optimal mole ratio of nitrate to phosphate was 34.7:1, where nitrate concentration reached the initial level and phosphate concentration was one quarter of its initial level. With one feeding, the biomass of B. braunii reached 2.56 g/L after 18 days. Two feedings in 2‐day interval enhanced the biomass production up to 2.87 g/L after 19 days of cultivation. The hydrocarbon content in dry biomass of B. braunii kept at high level of 64.3% w/w. Compared with the batch culture, biomass production and hydrocarbon productivity of B. braunii were greatly improved by the strategic fed‐batch cultivation.
Response of tall cantilever wall buildings to strong pulse type seismic excitation
Authors: Calugaru Vladimir , Panagiotou Marios
Published: December 2011

This paper investigates the seismic response of tall cantilever wall buildings subjected to pulse type ground motion, with special focus on the relation between the characteristics of ground motion and the higher‐modes of response. Buildings 10, 20, and 40 stories high were designed such that inelastic deformation was concentrated at a single flexural plastic hinge at their base. Using nonlinear response history analysis, the buildings were subjected to near‐fault seismic ground motions and simple closed‐form pulses, which represented distinct pulses within the ground motions. Euler–Bernoulli beam models with lumped mass and lumped plasticity were used to model the buildings. The response of the buildings to the closed‐form pulses fairly matched that of the near‐fault records. Subsequently, a parametric study was conducted for the buildings subjected to three types of closed‐form pulses with a broad range of periods and amplitudes. The results of the parametric study demonstrate the importance of the ratio of the fundamental period of the structure to the period of the pulse to the excitation of higher modes. The study shows that if the modal response spectrum analysis approach is used — considering the first four modes with a uniform yield reduction factor for all modes, and with the square root of sum of squares modal combination rule — it significantly underestimates bending moment and shear force responses. A response spectrum analysis method that uses different yield reduction factors for the first and the higher modes is presented. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Forecasting the European Credit Cycle Using Macroeconomic Variables
Authors: Ielpo Florian
Published: December 2011

We question the ability of macroeconomic data to predict risk appetite and ‘flight‐to‐quality’ periods in the European credit market using a model inspired by the Markov switching literature. This model allows for a direct mapping of exogenous variables into state probabilities. We find that various surveys and transformed hard data have a forecasting power. We show that despite its depth, the 2008–2009 crisis should not be regarded as an unusual episode that would have to be modelled by an additional state. Finally, we show that our model outperforms a pure Markov switching model in terms of forecasting accuracy, thus clearly indicating that economic figures are helpful in forecasting the credit cycle. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The provenance of Western Irish Namurian Basin sedimentary strata inferred using detrital zircon U–Pb LA‐ICP‐MS geochronology
Authors: Pointon Michael A. , Cliff Robert A. , Chew David M.
Published: December 2011

The Western Irish Namurian Basin (WINB) preserves classic examples of basin floor sequences through to slope deposits and deltaic cyclothems. Despite over 50 years of research into the WINB, its sediment provenance remains highly contested. Sedimentological arguments, including palaeocurrent vectors and palaeoslope indicators have been invoked to propose a sediment source from the NW or the west (i.e. from within Laurentia). These same indicators have been subsequently reinterpreted to reflect a southern provenance. It is not clear from sedimentological arguments alone which interpretation more accurately reflects the infilling of the WINB. Regional‐scale constraints on WINB provenance may be obtained with detrital zircon U–Pb geochronology.

U–Pb LA‐ICP‐MS detrital zircon analysis was undertaken on samples from three sandstone units at different stratigraphic levels within the WINB siliciclastic sedimentary fill (Ross Formation, Tullig Sandstone, Doonlicky Sandstone). The samples are dominated by 500–700 Ma zircons, which can be correlated with Cadomian–Avalonian orogenic activity within terranes to the south of the WINB (Avalonia/Ganderia, Armorica and Iberia). In contrast, Eastern Laurentia, to the north of the WINB, was devoid of orogenic activity at this time. WINB samples also yield age populations younger than 500 Ma, and older than 700 Ma. These are not diagnostic of a particular source terrane and thus could be derived from terranes north and/or south of the WINB. WINB detrital zircon age spectra can be reconciled by an Avalonian or combined Avalonian–Laurentian provenance for WINB sedimentary strata. Further research is required in order to distinguish between these two possibilities. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Usage of strain and vorticity analyses to interpret large‐scale fold mechanisms along the Sanandaj–Sirjan HP‐LT metamorphic belt, SW Iran
Authors: Sarkarinejad Khalil , Partabian Abdolreza , Faghih Ali , Kusky Timothy M.
Published: December 2011

3D finite strain analyses and kinematic vorticity measurements were carried out on the Loghon Anticline within the HP‐LT Sanandaj–Sirjan metamorphic belt (Neyriz area, SW Iran). Rƒ/φ and Fry methods were used on the strain markers (e.g. deformed fossils) to interpret geometric relationships between the fold axis, strain ellipsoid axes and shear zone boundaries. The results indicate the predominance of prolate strain in the anticline. Quantitative kinematic analyses show that the Wk parameter is 0. 67 ± 0. 06 (i.e. pure‐shear dominated non‐coaxial flow). This study quantitatively supports the establishment of a dextral transpressive system, which is responsible for the development of the large‐scale right‐lateral shear zones that strike sub‐parallel to the major folds. Flexural shear combined with regional dextral‐shear is suggested to be the most common mechanism of folding in this area. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metastatic adenoid cystic carcinoma of the salivary gland responding to cetuximab plus weekly paclitaxel after no response to weekly paclitaxel alone
Authors: Caballero Miguel , E. Sosa Aaron , Tagliapietra Andrea , Grau Juan J.
Published: December 2011

Background

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the salivary gland frequently develops lung metastases. In cases in which chemotherapy is indicated, resistance is a common phenomenon. New drugs, such as cetuximab, have been chosen to avoid this chemoresistance.

Methods and Results

A 54‐year‐old man was diagnosed with ACC of the right submandibular gland. He underwent a submandibular gland resection with adjuvant radiotherapy. Three years later, bilateral lung metastases were diagnosed and treated with various chemotherapy schedules, including paclitaxel without success. We obtained radiographic response, followed by disease stabilization for more than 1 year with the addition of cetuximab to paclitaxel administered at low weekly doses (metronomic schedule).

Conclusion

This case demonstrates for the first time a reversion of primary resistance to chemotherapy in ACC that is currently considered chemoresistant by use of a combination of metronomic chemotherapy with new targeted agents such as cetuximab. Metronomic chemotherapy was also well tolerated and achieved long‐term response. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2013
Leaf Decay Processes during and after a Supra‐Seasonal Hydrological Drought in a Temperate Lowland Stream
Authors: Schlief Jeanette , Mutz Michael
Published: December 2011

Climate change models for Central Europe predict hydrological drought with fragmentation into pools during periods of high litter input in numerous lowland streams, presumably affecting in‐stream leaf decay processes. To investigate this assumption, we measured physicochemical parameters, macro‐invertebrate colonization, microbial activity, and decay rates of exposed leaves during and after a supra‐seasonal drought in a German lowland stream. Microbial activity, shredder colonization and leaf decay rates during fragmentation were low, presumably caused by drought‐related environmental conditions. Microbial activity and temperature‐corrected decay rates increased after the flow resumption but not leaf mass loss and shredder colonization. During both periods, exposed leaves appeared physically unaffected suggesting strongly reduced shredder‐mediated leaf decay despite shredder presence. Our results indicate that hydrological drought can affect organisms and processes in temperate lowland streams even after flow resumption, and should be considered in climate change scenarios. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Contrasting roles of leukemia inhibitory factor in murine bone development and remodeling involve region-specific changes in vascularization
Authors: Poulton Ingrid J , McGregor Narelle E , Pompolo Sueli , Walker Emma C , Sims Natalie A
Published: December 2011

We describe here distinct functions of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) in bone development/growth and adult skeletal homeostasis. In the growth plate and developing neonate bones, LIF deficiency enhanced vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels, enlarged blood vessel formation, and increased the formation of “giant” osteoclasts/chondroclasts that rapidly destroyed the mineralized regions of the growth plate and developing neonatal bone. Below this region, osteoblasts formed large quantities of woven bone. In contrast, in adult bone undergoing remodeling osteoclast formation was unaffected by LIF deficiency, whereas osteoblast formation and function were both significantly impaired, resulting in osteopenia. Consistent with LIF promoting osteoblast commitment, enhanced marrow adipocyte formation was also observed in adult LIF null mice, and adipocytic differentiation of murine stromal cells was delayed by LIF treatment. LIF, therefore, controls vascular size and osteoclast differentiation during the transition of cartilage to bone, whereas an anatomically separate LIF-dependent pathway regulates osteoblast and adipocyte commitment in bone remodeling. © 2012 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Fabrication and characterization of integrally skinned‐oriented highly selective charged asymmetric low pressure poly(ether sulfone) membranes for nanofiltration
Authors: Hassan Abdul Rahman , Abdul Munaim Mimi Sakinah
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND: The effects of shear rate induced molecular orientation in polymeric based asymmetric membranes on performance, structural details, key properties, morphologies and pore size distribution were studied. Asymmetric membranes fabricated at five different potential shear rates ranging from 93.33–466.67 s−1 were evaluated based on nanofiltration test. The use of Spiegler–Kedem, steric‐hindrance pore and Teorell–Meyers–Sievers models enables an assessment to be made of the relationship between shear rates and membranes properties.

RESULTS: Experimental and modeling results show that there is a significant correlation between shear and membrane characteristics, whereby as shear rate increases, the separation performances of nanofiltration membranes increase until an optimum (critical) level of shear is achieved. Beyond the optimum shear, the deterioration in membrane performance suggests that there exists an optimum shear rate which produces optimal structural details, key properties, morphologies and pore size distributions.

CONCLUSIONS: Results showed that a skinned‐oriented highly selective charged asymmetric low pressure nanofiltration (ALP‐NF) membrane was successfully developed. The optimum shear rate (critical shear) was found to be 233.33 s−1. At the optimum shear rate, the fabricated ALP‐NF membranes produced the finest properties, morphology and narrowest pore distributions. The positive improvement in performance properties of ALP‐NF membrane provides the potential for producing a highly selective NF membrane for different applications in the future. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Adsorption of reactive dyes from aqueous solutions by layered double hydroxides
Authors: Asouhidou Despoina D. , Triantafyllidis Kostas S. , Lazaridis Nikolaos K. , Matis Kostas A.
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND: Water‐soluble reactive azo dyes are the most problematic dye house effluents, as they tend to pass through conventional treatment systems unaffected. The release of these compounds into the environment is undesirable and their removal becomes environmentally important. In this work, synthesis, characterization and sorption properties of hydotalcite‐like compounds (Mg/Al and Mg/Fe), calcined and uncalcined, were investigated for the removal of the reactive azo dye Remazol Red 3BS.

RESULTS: The calcined compounds present higher surface area than the uncalcined. The optimum pH for sorption was found to be 6. Thermodynamic analysis reveals that the sorption is spontaneous and endothermic. Equilibrium data were fitted by a Langmuir model, and kinetic data by a second‐order model. The calcined Mg/Al compound showed the highest sorption capacity, at 0.125 mmol g−1. Regeneration of dye loaded derivative is achieved using the surfactant SDS.

CONCLUSIONS: The prepared hydotalcite‐like compounds and especially calcined Mg‐Al exhibited significant adsorption capacity, kinetics, and regenerative ability. Its potential applicability as sorbent should be tested in a large‐scale implementation. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Active N2O emission from bacterial microbiota of Andisol farmland and characterization of some N2O emitters
Authors: Takeda Hisahaya , Takahashi Naoki , Hatano Ryusuke , Hashidoko Yasuyuki
Published: December 2011

Andisol in farmland located in Hokkaido, Japan, is known to actively flux nitrous oxide (N2O) during the spring to summer seasons. Using a culturing system which mimics farm soils, nitrous oxide (N2O) emission potentials of the soils or soil microorganisms were investigated. A total of thirty‐three soil samples from the farmland showed high N2O production potential, of which the maximum level of N2O emission was 3.69 μg per ml of the cultured medium per day (ml–1 d–1) in the assay system. However, only three eubacteria (Leptothrix sp., Paenibacillus sp., and Streptomyces sp.) were isolated as culturable N2O emitters among a total of 92 bacterial isolates and 2 fungi obtained from the assayed soil suspensions. N2O production from all the isolated N2O emitters was more active within a weakly acidic region (pH 4.5–5.0) than neutral regions. However, unlike N2O emitters isolated from tropical peat soils, they did not respond to supplemental 0.5% sucrose. In the acetylene inhibition assay for the evaluation of complete denitrification, Leptothrix sp. P3‐15D and Streptomyces sp. M2‐0C indicated that these culturable N2O emitters are not effective denitrifiers but weak N2O emitters in the Andisol. Conversely, Rhodococcus sp. that was isolated from the Andisol collected in another season using a KNO3‐enriched plate, showed 3.2‐fold higher N2O emission with 10% C2H2. Instead of the culturable bacteria, it is probable that the N2O emitters in viable but non‐culturable (VBNC) state or obligately anaerobic denitrifiers are the major contributors to N2O emission from the vitric Andisol. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)