bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dauerhaftigkeit von Porenbeton bei hoher CO2‐Beaufschlagung
Authors: Schoch Torsten , Straube Berit , Stumm Andreas
Published: September 2011

Standardporenbeton der Güte PP2‐0,35 wurde verschiedenen Feuchtebedingungen und einer konstanten CO2‐Atmosphäre von 1 Vol‐% ausgesetzt. Zusätzlich wurden Porenbetonproben mit guter und schlechter Phasenausbildung hergestellt und in das Bewitterungsprogramm integriert. Parallel zu der CO2‐Bewitterung erfolgte eine regengeschützte Freilandlagerung des Standardporenbetons über 3 Jahre. An die verschiedenen Lagerungsbedingungen und ‐zeiten schlossen sich Untersuchungen zur Rohdichte, Druckfestigkeit und zum mineralischen Phasenbestand an. Der 3 Jahre im Freiland gelagerte Porenbeton wurde außerdem bezüglich seiner Wärmeleitfähigkeit geprüft. Prüfrandbedingungen wie Materialfeuchte, Austrocknungsverhalten des Porenbetons während der Bewitterung und Umgebungsfeuchte haben einen großen Einfluss auf die Materialeigenschaften. Die Ergebnisse belegen, dass eine künstliche CO2‐Bewitterung zu anderen Ergebnissen führt als eine natürliche Alterung des Porenbetons. Porenbeton mit gut ausgebildetem Tobermorit erfährt unter natürlichen Klimabedingungen keine Veränderung in Druckfestigkeit und Wärmeleitfähigkeit. Eine negative Eigenschafts‐ entwicklung über die Jahre ist nicht zu erwarten.

Durability of autoclaved aerated concrete under high CO2 impact. Ordinary autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) (P2‐0,35) was stored under different humidity conditions and a constant CO2 atmosphere of 1 % by volume. Additionally, AAC samples with a good and poor phase formation were produced and included into the weathering procedure. In addition to the artificial CO2 weathering, ordinary AAC was stored under rain protection outdoor for a period of 3 years. After storing the samples under different conditions and periods, the material was measured for its raw density, compressive strength and mineral phase content. The outdoor stored AAC was tested after 3 years for its thermal conductivity. Boundary conditions such as material moisture and drying behaviour of the AAC as well as ambient moisture, influence the material properties within the weathering procedure. Artificial CO2 weathering leads to other effects than natural weathering. AAC with well crystalline tobermorite does not change its compressive strength or thermal conductivity under natural climate conditions. A negative long‐term development of the material properties can be excluded.
Protecting Against Low‐Probability Disasters: The Role of Worry
Authors: Schade Christian , Kunreuther Howard , Koellinger Philipp
Published: September 2011

ABTRACT

We carry out a large monetary stakes insurance experiment with very small probabilities of losses and ambiguous as well as exact probabilities. Many individuals do not want to pay anything for insurance whether the probabilities are given exactly or are ambiguous. Many others, however, are willing to pay surprisingly large amounts. With ambiguity, the percentage of those paying nothing is smaller and the willingness to pay (WTP) of the other individuals larger than with exact probabilities. Comparing elasticities with ambiguity, we find that worry is much more important than subjective probability in determining WTP for insurance. Furthermore, when the ambiguous loss probability is increased by a factor of 1000, it has almost no effect on WTP. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
X‐chromosome‐located microRNAs in immunity: Might they explain male/female differences?
Authors: Pinheiro Iris , Dejager Lien , Libert Claude
Published: September 2011

In this paper, we hypothesize that X chromosome‐associated mechanisms, which affect X‐linked genes and are behind the immunological advantage of females, may also affect X‐linked microRNAs. The human X chromosome contains 10% of all microRNAs detected so far in the human genome. Although the role of most of them has not yet been described, several X chromosome‐located microRNAs have important functions in immunity and cancer. We therefore provide a detailed map of all described microRNAs located on human and mouse X chromosomes, and highlight the ones involved in immune functions and oncogenesis. The unique mode of inheritance of the X chromosome is ultimately the cause of the immune disadvantage of males and the enhanced survival of females following immunological challenges. How these aspects influence X‐linked microRNAs will be a challenge for researchers in the coming years, not only from an evolutionary point of view, but also from the perspective of disease etiology.
A screening tool for therapeutic monoclonal antibodies: Identifying the most stable protein and its best formulation based on thioflavin T binding
Authors: Kayser Veysel , Chennamsetty Naresh , Voynov Vladimir , Helk Bernhard , Forrer Kurt , Trout Bernhardt L.
Published: September 2011

The lack of a fast selection method to identify the most stable protein is one of the major challenges for developing successful therapeutic protein formulations more rapidly. The swift and accurate detection of small amounts of aggregates is another problem since aggregates may trigger an immunological response and the aggregation decreases the biological activity of the antibody. Here we present an alternative method for initial screening of the aggregation propensity of proteins, using monoclonal antibodies (mAb) as an example and thioflavin T (ThT) binding. The major advantage of ThT binding is the short duration of testing compared with size‐exclusion chromatography (SEC) measurements that can take 6 months or more even under accelerated conditions. The tendency to aggregate of each therapeutic human mAb probed with the ThT assay, together with SEC, is employed to formulate the ranking of mAb aggregation. ThT binding can determine the propensity of proteins to aggregate in a few days, illustrating that ThT binding would be a valuable screening tool.
Inhibition of escherichia coli and proteus mirabilis adhesion and biofilm formation on medical grade silicone surface
Authors: Wang Rong , Neoh Koon Gee , Shi Zhilong , Kang En‐Tang , Tambyah Paul Anantharajah , Chiong Edmund
Published: September 2011

Silicone has been utilized extensively for biomedical devices due to its excellent biocompatibility and biodurability properties. However, its surface is easily colonized by bacteria which will increase the probability of nosocomial infection. In the present work, a hydrophilic antimicrobial carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) layer has been grafted on medical grade silicone surface pre‐treated with polydopamine (PDA). The increase in hydrophilicity was confirmed from contact angle measurement. Bacterial adhesion tests showed that the PDA‐CMCS coating reduced the adhesion of Escherichia coli and Proteus mirabilis by ≥90%. The anti‐adhesion property was preserved even after the aging of the functionalized surfaces for 21 days in phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS), and also after autoclaving at 121°C for 20 min. Both E. coli and P. mirabilis readily form biofilms on the pristine surface under static and flow conditions but with the PDA‐CMCS layer, biofilm formation is inhibited. The flow experiments indicated that it is more difficult to inhibit biofilm formation by the highly motile P. mirabilis as compared to E. coli. No significant cytotoxicity of the modified substrates was observed with 3T3 fibroblasts. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2012; 109:336–345. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Viability and membrane potential analysis of Bacillus megaterium cells by impedance flow cytometry
Authors: David F. , Hebeisen M. , Schade G. , Franco‐Lara E. , Di Berardino M.
Published: September 2011

Single cell analysis is an important tool to gain deeper insights into microbial physiology for the characterization and optimization of bioprocesses. In this study a novel single cell analysis technique was applied for estimating viability and membrane potential (MP) of Bacillus megaterium cells cultured in minimal medium. Its measurement principle is based on the analysis of the electrical cell properties and is called impedance flow cytometry (IFC). Comparatively, state‐of‐the‐art fluorescence‐based flow cytometry (FCM) was used to verify the results obtained by IFC. Viability and MP analyses were performed with cells at different well‐defined growth stages, focusing mainly on exponential and stationary phase cells, as well as on dead cells. This was done by PI and DiOC2(3) staining assays in FCM and by impedance measurements at 0.5 and 10 MHz in IFC. In addition, transition growth stages of long‐term cultures and agar plate colonies were characterized with both methods. FCM and IFC analyses of all experiments gave comparable results, quantitatively and qualitatively, indicating that IFC is an equivalent technique to FCM for the study of physiological cell states of bacteria. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2012; 109:483–492. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Adaptive evolution for fast growth on glucose and the effects on the regulation of glucose transport system in Clostridium tyrobutyricum
Authors: Jiang Ling , Li Shuang , Hu Yi , Xu Qing , Huang He
Published: September 2011

Laboratory adaptive evolution of microorganisms offers the possibility of relating acquired mutations to increased fitness of the organism under the conditions used. By combining a fibrous‐bed bioreactor, we successfully developed a simple and valuable adaptive evolution strategy in repeated‐batch fermentation mode with high initial substrate concentration and evolved Clostridium tyrobutyricum mutant with significantly improved butyric acid volumetric productivity up to 2.25 g/(L h), which is the highest value in batch fermentation reported so far. Further experiments were conducted to pay attention to glucose transport system in consideration of the high glucose consumption rate resulted from evolution. Complete characterization and comparison of the glucose phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP)‐dependent phosphotransferase system (PTS) were carried out in the form of toluene‐treated cells and cell‐free extracts derived from both C. tyrobutyricum wide‐type and mutant, while an alternative glucose transport route that requires glucokinase was confirmed by the phenomena of resistance to the glucose analogue 2‐deoxyglucose and ATP‐dependent glucose phosphorylation. Our results suggest that C. tyrobutyricum mutant is defective in PTS activity and compensates for this defect with enhanced glucokinase activity, resulting in the efficient uptake and consumption of glucose during the whole metabolism. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2012; 109:708–718. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sensitivity analysis of reaction‐diffusion constraints in muscle energetics
Authors: Dasika S.K. , Kinsey S.T. , Locke B.R.
Published: September 2011

Theoretical and experimental studies of aerobic metabolism on a wide range of skeletal muscle fibers have shown that while all fibers normally function within the reaction control regime, some fibers operate near the transition region where reaction control switches to diffusion control. Thus, the transition region between reaction and diffusion control may define the limits of muscle function, and analysis of factors that affect this transition is therefore needed. In order to assess the role of all important model parameters, a sensitivity analysis (SA) was performed to define the parameter space where muscle fibers transition from reaction to diffusion control. SA, performed on a previously developed reaction–diffusion model, shows that the maximum rate for the ATPase reaction (Vmax,ATPase), boundary oxygen concentration in the capillary supply (O), the mitochondrial volume fraction (εmito), and the diffusion coefficient of oxygen ($D_{{\rm O}_{{\rm 2}} } $) are the most sensitive parameters affecting this transition to diffusion control. It is demonstrated that fibers are not limited by diffusion for slow reactions (Vmax,ATPase < 25 mM/min), high oxygen supply for the capillaries (O ≥ 35 µM), and large amounts of mitochondria (εmito ≥ 0.1). These conditions are applicable to muscle cells spanning a very broad range of animals. Within the diffusion‐controlled region, the overall metabolic rate and ATP concentrations have much higher sensitivity to the diffusion coefficient of oxygen than to the diffusion coefficients of the other metabolites (ATP, ADP, Pi). Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2012; 109:559–571. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Predicting the survival of experimental ischaemic small bowel using intraoperative near-infrared fluorescence angiography
Authors: Matsui A , Winer J H , Laurence R G , Frangioni J V
Published: September 2011

Background

Predicting the long-term viability of ischaemic bowel during surgery is challenging. The aim was to determine whether intraoperative near-infrared angiography (NIR-AG) of ischaemic bowel might provide metrics that were predictive of long-term outcome.

Methods

NIR-AG using indocyanine green was performed on 24 pigs before, and after inducing bowel ischaemia to determine the feasibility of NIR-AG for detecting compromised perfusion. Contrast-to-background ratio (CBR) over time was measured in regions of interest throughout the bowel, and various metrics of the CBR–time curve were developed. Sixty rat small bowels, with or without strangulation, were imaged during surgery and on day 3 after operation. CBR metrics and clinical findings were assessed quantitatively for their ability to predict animal survival, histological grade of ischaemic injury and visible necrosis on day 3.

Results

In ischaemic pig small bowel, various qualitative and quantitative CBR metrics appeared to correlate with bowel injury as a function of distance from normal bowel. In rats, intraoperative clinical assessment showed high specificity but low sensitivity for predicting outcome on day 3 after operation. Qualitative patterns of the CBR–time curve, such as absence of an arterial inflow peak and presence of a NIR filling defect, resulted in better prediction of survival (90 per cent), histological grade (85 per cent) and visible necrosis on day 3 (92 per cent).

Conclusion

Survival of ischaemic bowel was predicted by intraoperative NIR-AG with greater accuracy than clinical evaluation alone.
Controlled release of nutrients to mammalian cells cultured in shake flasks
Authors: Hegde Swati , Pant Tejal , Pradhan Ketaki , Badiger Manohar , Gadgil Mugdha
Published: September 2011

Though cell culture‐based protein production processes are rarely carried out under batch mode of operation, cell line and initial process development operations are usually carried out in batch mode due to simplicity of operation in widely used scale down platforms like shake flasks. Nutrient feeding, if performed, is achieved by bolus addition of concentrated feed solution at different intervals, which leads to large transient increases in nutrient concentrations. One negative consequence is increased waste metabolite production. We have developed a hydrogel‐based nutrient delivery system for continuous feeding of nutrients in scale down models like shake flasks without the need for manual feed additions or any additional infrastructure. Continuous delivery also enables maintaining nutrient concentrations at low levels, if desired. The authors demonstrate the use of these systems for continuous feeding of glucose and protein hydrolysate to a suspension Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) culture in a shake flask. Glucose feeding achieved using the glucose‐loaded hydrogel resulted in a 23% higher integral viable cell density and an 89% lower lactate concentration at the end of the culture when compared with a bolus‐feed of glucose. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2012
Developing an institutional culture toward degree attainment for student athletes
Authors: Horton David
Published: September 2011

This chapter describes the marginalization of student athletes and provides case studies and recommendations for institutions interested in better supporting, encouraging, and responding to the needs of students within this population.
A primer on LGBTQ students at community colleges: Considerations for research and practice
Authors: Zamani‐Gallaher Eboni M. , Choudhuri Dibya Devika
Published: September 2011

Community colleges are among the most diverse institutions in the American higher education system. Students across lifestyles, creeds, racial/ethnic backgrounds, gender groups, ability levels, and socioeconomic status reflect the legacy of two‐year institutions to provide educational opportunities for many on the margins of full participation. The preponderance of community college students seeks this tier of postsecondary education, as it promises to equalize educational access across divergent student populations. Nonetheless, the unique campus climates of community colleges have not halted marginalization that occurs for sexual minority students. In this chapter, the authors trace the dearth of available literature on LGBTQ students at community colleges, provide a commentary for future research, and offer action steps for practitioners in creating visibly inclusive LGBTQ campus environments.
Student veterans and community colleges
Authors: Rumann Corey , Rivera Marisa , Hernandez Ignacio
Published: September 2011

This chapter will identify ways in which community colleges are well positioned to support student veterans, discuss the need for heightened awareness concerning student veterans' experiences, and make recommendations to assist staff, faculty, and administrators to better serve student veterans at their institutions.
Three‐dimensional imaging of fibrous cap by frequency‐domain optical coherence tomography
Authors: Bezerra Hiram G. , Attizzani Guilherme F. , Costa Marco A.
Published: September 2011

Histopathological data correlated the presence of thin‐cap fibroatheroma (TCFA) with adverse cardiovascular events. Intravascular optical coherence tomography (iOCT) is currently the only imaging modality with sufficiently high axial resolution (∼15 μm) that allows direct fibrous‐cap (FC) assessment in vivo. iOCT quantification of TCFA has been validated, but the assessment of a single cross‐sectional image does not depict the complexity of the atherosclerotic plaque. We present two cases that illustrate the importance of three‐dimensional volumetric quantification of the FC capitalizing on the properties of frequency‐domain iOCT. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Heterogeneous Catalytic Epoxidation: High Limonene Oxide Yields by Surface Silylation of Ti‐MCM‐41
Authors: Guidotti M. , Psaro R. , Batonneau‐Gener I. , Gavrilova E.
Published: September 2011

Limonene oxide is an intermediate getting growing attention in industrial chemistry. A series of Ti‐MCM‐41 heterogeneous catalysts with different hydrophilic/hydrophobic character, prepared by post‐synthesis silylation with hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS), were studied in the liquid‐phase epoxidation of limonene with tert‐butylhydroperoxide (TBHP). A maximum yield of 84 % in limonene oxide was obtained over a partially silylated catalyst with a surface coverage of 55 %.
Versatile Stereoselective Cycloadditions between Heterocumulenes and Phosphagermaallene Tip(tBu)GeCPMes*: Experimental and Theoretical Investigations
Authors: Ghereg Dumitru , André Erwan , Gornitzka Heinz , Escudié Jean , Ouhsaine Fatima , Saffon Nathalie , Miqueu Karinne , Sotiropoulos Jean‐Marc
Published: September 2011

Phosphagermaallene Tip(tBu)GeCPMes* 1 (Tip=2,4,6‐triisopropylphenyl, Mes*=2,4,6‐tri‐tert‐butylphenyl) reacts with phenyl isocyanate and tert‐butyl isocyanate by a [2+2] cycloaddition that involves the GeC and CO double bonds to afford 1‐oxa‐2‐germacyclobutanes 2 and 3. With N,N′‐dicyclohexylcarbodiimide, a [2+2] cycloaddition is observed between the GeC and CN unsaturations to lead to 1‐aza‐2‐germacyclobutane 6 with exocyclic PC and CN double bonds. In sharp contrast, 1 reacts with phenyl isothiocyanate, ethyl isothiocyanate, and carbon disulfide according to a [3+2] cycloaddition that involves the whole GeCP unit and the CS double bond to give transient phosphagermacarbenes (PGeHCs) 11, 12, and 13. These new PGeHCs undergo CH insertions into one o‐tBu group of Mes* (in the case of 11 and 12) or one o‐iPr group of Tip (in the case of 13) with formation of tricyclic compounds 8, 9, and 10, respectively. The reaction mechanisms that involve 1 and the phenyl isocyanate and the phenyl isothiocyanate are described and their regioselectivity is explained by theoretical calculations.
Incorporation of Spiroxanthene Units in Blue‐Emitting Oligophenylene Frameworks: A New Molecular Design for OLED Applications
Authors: Poriel Cyril , Cocherel Nicolas , Rault‐Berthelot Joëlle , Vignau Laurence , Jeannin Olivier
Published: September 2011

We report herein the incorporation of xanthenyl units into two extended π‐conjugated phenylene systems, namely indenofluorene and pentaphenylene. Thus, dispiroxanthene‐indenofluorene (DSX‐IF) and dispiroxanthene‐ladderpentaphenylene (DSX‐LPP) have been designed and synthesized through short and efficient synthetic approaches. These two molecules possess a 3π‐2‐spiro architecture (3π‐systems/2‐spiro bridges), in which two xanthenyl cores are spirolinked to a π‐conjugated backbone either indenofluorene for DSX‐IF or pentaphenylene for DSX‐LPP. The structural, electrochemical, and photophysical properties of these blue/violet emitters have been studied in detail and compared to those of their ‘all carbon’ analogues with spirofluorenyl cores instead of spiroxanthenyl cores, namely dispirofluorene‐indenofluorene (DSF‐IF) and dispirofluorene‐ladderpentaphenylene (DSF‐LPP), previously reported in the literature. Finally, the application of DSX‐IF and DSX‐LPP as new light‐emitting materials in nondoped organic light emitting diodes is reported. A detailed optical study of the different electroluminescence spectra is notably presented, with an emphasis 1) on the origin of the low‐energy emission band observed in the case of DSX‐LPP and 2) on the unexpected optical contribution of the well‐known hole‐transporting‐layer NPB (N,N′‐di(naphtyl)‐N,N′‐diphenyl(1,1′‐biphenyl)‐4,4′‐diamine).
Palladium‐Catalyzed Pentannulation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Authors: Lütke Eversloh Christian , Avlasevich Yuri , Li Chen , Müllen Klaus
Published: September 2011

We present a new and versatile one‐step synthesis of a series of small molecular chromophores based on cyclopentannulated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). Easily available pyrene, anthracene, and perylene bromides serve as starting materials for the reactions. The formation of the five‐membered ring is achieved by the straightforward palladium(0)‐catalyzed carbannulation with various substituted acetylenes. This approach is applicable either to single or multiple annulation procedures leading to hitherto inaccessible PAH topologies. According to the resulting products of the diverse reactions, a mechanistic explanation is proposed. UV/Vis absorption as well as cyclovoltammetric measurements were performed for characterization demonstrating the value of this annulation technique. Optical absorptions of up to 780 nm and absorption coefficients ranging from 8000 to 34 000 M−1 cm−1 were detected.
Establishing bioequivalence of racemic venlafaxine formulations using stereoselective assay method: Is it necessary?
Authors: Kandhwal Kirti , Dey Surajit , Nazarudheen Shabana , Reyar Simrit , Mishra Sanjeev , Thudi Nageshwar R. , Khuroo Arshad H. , Monif Tausif
Published: September 2011

A bioequivalence study for venlafaxine generic formulation was conducted as an open label, balanced, randomized, two‐way crossover, single‐dose study. In this study, a comparison of various pharmacokinetic parameters of venlafaxine hydrochloride 150 mg modified release capsules of Ranbaxy and EFEXOR®‐XR 150 mg capsules of Wyeth, in healthy, adult, male, human subjects under fasting condition was performed to conclude bioequivalence. Venlafaxine and its major active metabolite O‐desmethylvenlafaxine (ODV) are racemates. The “(S)‐(+)” and “(R)‐(−)” enantiomers of venlafaxine and ODV are established as being active. Hence, subject samples were analyzed using nonstereoselective and stereoselective assay methods. Both (S)‐(+) and (R)‐(−) enantiomers of venlafaxine and ODV showed similar absorption and disposition. The 90% confidence intervals for venlafaxine, (R)‐(−)‐venlafaxine as well as (S)‐(+)‐venlafaxine were within acceptance range concluding bioequivalence. The results obtained by stereoselective assay were comparable to the nonstereoselective analysis, as sum of concentrations of (S)‐(+)‐ and (R)‐(−)‐enantiomers of venlafaxine and ODV. The mean (S)‐(+)/(R)‐(−) ratios of the enantiomers of venlafaxine and ODV at various time points were consistent in the study subjects. Therefore, the estimation of venlafaxine and ODV using nonstereoselective assay method is effective in distinguishing formulation differences (if any) in bioequivalence studies in a cost‐effective manner. Chirality, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ambrox®
Authors: Schäfer Bernd
Published: September 2011

Ambra ist ein seit Jahrtausenden hoch geschätzter Duftstoff aus dem Verdauungstrakt des Pottwals. Der olfaktorisch bedeutendste Inhaltsstoff ist (–)‐Ambrox®, das durch Partialsynthese im größeren Maßstab aus dem Sclareol des Muskatellersalbeis gewonnen wird. Die Polyencyclisierungen von Homofarnesol und Homofarnsylsäure sind besonders elegante Totalsynthesen. 5,5a‐Dehydroambrox zeichnet sich nicht nur durch exzellente Duftqualitäten aus, sondern auch durch die eleganten Totalsynthesen.
Effect of Temperature on Self‐Interaction of Human‐Like Collagen
Authors: Fan Daidi , Xing Jianyu , Xue Wenjiao , Zhu Chenhui , Ma Xiaoxuan , Ma Rong
Published: September 2011

Effects of temperature on self‐interaction of human‐like collagen (HLC) were investigated by hydrophobic interaction chromatography, calorimetric measurement, and sodium dodecyl sulphate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) analysis. Results show that three types of interaction roles may exist between HLC molecules at 3–50°C, which were divided into three narrower temperature ranges. In temperature range from 3–22°C, hydrogen bonding plays a key role in the formation of a gelatinous aggregate. In the range of 22–38°C, hydrophobic bonds accompanied by hydrogen bonds are involved in the formation compact aggregates. When temperature is above 38°C the hydrophobic effect formed in the HLC monomer results in the loss of its ability to self‐interact.
Ultrasonic‐assisted Synthesis of Fe Nanoparticles in the Presence of Poly(N‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone)
Authors: Xu Ying , Zhang Xiaoyan , Hsing Yiming , Fang Yuzhi
Published: September 2011

Zero‐valent iron particles were prepared by wet reduction chemistry assisted with ultrasonic treatment. Such prepared particles have uniform size, exhibit crystalline structure and show strong paramagnetic property. Their surface modification by coating poly(N‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone) (PVP) was investigated. The resulting Fe(0)‐PVP particles were monodispersed and possessed enhancing magnetization saturation. Those synthesis conditions to control the particle size and distribution were exploited.
Catalyst‐free Multicomponent Synthesis of β‐Mercapto Diketones in Water
Authors: Li Li , Liu Bokai , Wu Qi , Lin Xianfu
Published: September 2011

A simple, efficient and eco‐friendly route has been developed for the synthesis of β‐mercapto diketones via a multicomponent reaction of an aldehyde, acetylacetone and thiol in water. This methodology affords a number of β‐mercapto diketone derivatives in moderate to good yields.
Combustion Derived Nanocrystalline‐ZrO2 and Its Catalytic Activity for Biginelli Condensation under Microwave Irradiation
Authors: Bhojegowd Madhusudana Reddy M. , Siddaramanna Ashoka , Siddappa Anandakumar B. , Thimmanna Chandrappa G. , Pasha Mohamed A.
Published: September 2011

Nanocrystalline zirconium(IV) oxide (nc‐ZrO2) possessing high surface area was synthesized by a low temperature eco‐friendly solution combustion method using a new organic fuel alanine. The powder XRD, SEM and surface area measurements were carried out for characterization of nc‐ZrO2. The powder XRD results revealed that, the nc‐ZrO2 has the pure tetragonal phase. The crystallite size calculated by Scherrer's formula and BET surface area were found to be ca. 53–57 nm and ca. 275 m2/g, respectively. SEM micrograph exhibited the macroporous nature of the powder. nc‐ZrO2 has been employed as a catalyst for the solvent‐free synthesis of 3,4‐dihydro‐ pyrimidin‐2‐ones (DHPMs) by a microwave (MW) assisted one‐pot, multicomponent Biginelli condensation reaction of araldehydes, ethylacetoacetate and urea or thiourea. DHPMs are obtained in good to excellent yields (85%–96%) under this reaction condition within short interval of time (10–20 min).
Efficient Synthesis of Functionalized Benzimidazoles and Perimidines: Ytterbium Chloride Catalyzed CC Bond Cleavage
Authors: Cai Lijian , Ji Xiaofeng , Yao Zhigang , Xu Fan , Shen Qi
Published: September 2011

An efficient method is developed for the synthesis of functionalized benzimidazoles and perimidines by the condensation of aryl diamines with β‐carbonyl compounds catalyzed by ytterbium chloride. The reactions give good yields under mild conditions. A mechanism involving a lanthanide activated CC bond cleavage is proposed.
Etherification of Ferrocenyl Alcohol by Highly‐efficient Ytterbium Triflate
Authors: Jiang Ran , Shen Yechen , Zhang Ying , Xu Xiaoping , Shao Jinjun , Ji Shunjun
Published: September 2011

Nucleophilic substitution of ferrocenyl alcohols with various aliphatic alcohols in the presence of a catalytic amount of ytterbium triflate [Yb(OTf)3] was studied. It was found the unsymmetrical ferrocenyl ethers could be easily obtained in excellent yields when the reactions were performed in primary and secondary alcohols. However, in other organic non‐alcoholic solvents such as acetonitrile, the formation of symmetrical ferrocenyl ethers rather than unsymmetrical ones was observed.
Dual Spectroscopic Responses of Pyridinium Hemicyanine Dyes to Anions
Authors: Xie Puhui , Guo Fengqi , Zhang Dasheng , Zhang Lei
Published: September 2011

The absorption and fluorescence spectroscopic responses of three pyridinium hemicyanine dyes to anions F−, Cl−, Br−, I−, H2PO4−, HSO4− and OAc− were investigated. At lower concentrations of OAc− (less than 1 equiv.), both the absorption and the fluorescence intensities of 1–3 were more effectively changed than F− at identical concentrations. At higher concentrations of OAc− (more than 1 equiv.), the interaction was opposite for each compound. 1H NMR results indicated the interaction between 1, 2 or 3 and F− proceeded through hydrogen bonding. The results showed that these dyes are promising to develop dual fluorescence and chromogenic chemosensors toward F− and OAc− according to the subtle difference in the affinity of F− and OAc−.
Das Modul „CO2 und Me(e)hr“, Projekttage im Schülerlabor „MariSchool“
Authors: Neumann Kristina , Flint Alfred
Published: September 2011

Im Schülerlabor „MariSchool“ im Leibniz‐Institut für Ostseeforschung in Warnemünde (IOW)werden Projekttage für Schülerinnen und Schüler aus vornehmlich Chemie‐ oder Biologie‐Kursen der gymnasialen Oberstufe angeboten. Während jeweils eines solchen Tages werden aktuelle Fragen der Ostseeforschung mit schulrelevanten Chemie‐ und Biologiekenntnissen verknüpft. Ein im Folgenden näher beschriebener Projekttag beschäftigt sich mit der Löslichkeit von Kohlenstoffdioxid in Wasser in Abhängigkeit von unterschiedlichen Parametern. Dazu werden für bekannte Experimente eine neue, alternative Schlauchapparatur vorgestellt und ausgewählte Versuche damit beschrieben.
Adsorption Characteristics of Reactive Black 5 from Aqueous Solution onto Chitosan
Authors: Saha Tapan K. , Bhoumik Nikhil C. , Karmaker Subarna , Ahmed Mahmooda G. , Ichikawa Hideki , Fukumori Yoshinobu
Published: September 2011

Adsorption of reactive black 5 (RB5) from aqueous solution onto chitosan was investigated in a batch system. The effects of solution pH, initial dye concentration, and temperature were studied. Adsorption data obtained from different batch experiments were modeled using both pseudo first‐ and second‐order kinetic equations. The equilibrium adsorption data were fitted to the Freundlich, Tempkin, and Langmuir isotherms over a dye concentration range of 45–100 µmol/L. The best results were achieved with the pseudo second‐order kinetic and Langmuir isotherm equilibrium models, respectively. The equilibrium adsorption capacity (qe) was increased with increasing the initial dye concentration and solution temperature, and decreasing solution pH. The chitosan flakes for the adsorption of the dye was regenerated efficiently through the alkaline solution and was then reused for dye removal. The activation energy (Ea) of sorption kinetics was estimated to be 13.88 kJ/mol. Thermodynamic parameters such as changes in free energy (ΔG), enthalpy (ΔH), and entropy (ΔS) were evaluated by applying the van't Hoff equation. The thermodynamics of reactive dye adsorption by chitosan indicates its spontaneous and endothermic nature.
The Discovery of Compounds That Stimulate the Activity of Kallikrein‐Related Peptidase 3 (KLK3)
Authors: Härkönen Henna H. , Mattsson Johanna M. , Määttä Juha A. E. , Stenman Ulf‐Håkan , Koistinen Hannu , Matero Sanni , Windshügel Björn , Poso Antti , Lahtela‐Kakkonen Maija
Published: September 2011

Kallikrein‐related peptidase 3 (KLK3), also known as prostate‐specific antigen (PSA), is the most useful biomarker for prostate cancer (PCa). KLK3 is suggested to play a role in regulating cancer growth through anti‐angiogenic activity in vivo and in vitro. This feature, together with its specificity for prostate tissue, makes KLK3 an intriguing target for the design of new therapies for PCa. 3D pharmacophores for KLK3‐stimulating compounds were generated based on peptides that bind specifically to KLK3 and increase its enzymatic activity. As a result of pharmacophore‐based virtual screening, four small, drug‐like compounds with affinity for KLK3 were discovered and validated by capillary differential scanning calorimetry. One of the compounds also stimulated the activity of KLK3, and is therefore the first published small molecule with such an activity.
Novel Rhein Analogues as Potential Anticancer Agents
Authors: Yang Xiaochuan , Sun Guojing , Yang Chunhao , Wang Binghe
Published: September 2011

Two series of rhein analogues were synthesized with modification at the 3‐position. Their cytotoxicities were evaluated using an MTT assay. Among all the compounds synthesized, one compound showed the best potency, with an IC50 value of 2.7 μM against the HeLa cell line and 0.6 μM against the MOLT4 cell line.
Germline polymorphisms in patients with advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer receiving first‐line platinum‐gemcitabine chemotherapy
Authors: Joerger Markus , Burgers Sjaak A. , Baas Paul , Smit Egbert F. , Haitjema Tjeerd J. , Bard Martin P. L. , Doodeman Valerie D. , Smits Paul H. M. , Vincent Andrew , Huitema Alwin D. R. , Beijnen Jos H. , Schellens Jan H. M.
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND:

The authors assessed the impact of germline polymorphisms on clinical outcome in patients with advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who received platinum‐gemcitabine (PG) chemotherapy.

METHODS:

In total, 137 patients with stage IIIB/IV NSCLC were included who received first‐line PG chemotherapy (74% of patients received cisplatin, and 26% received carboplatin). Twenty‐three germline polymorphisms that were identified in peripheral blood samples were analyzed for progression‐free survival (PFS), treatment response, overall survival (OS), and toxicity.

RESULTS:

The median PFS was 5.8 months, the median OS was 10.2 months, and 44 patients (32%) had a partial treatment response. Carriers of the excision repair cross‐complementation group 1 (ERCC1) mutant thymine (T) allele had a lower treatment response rate (29% vs 52%; P = .02), shorter PFS (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.60; P = .04), and shorter OS (adjusted HR, 1.54; P = .05) compared with carriers of the wild‐type cytosine/cytosine (CC) genotype. The xeroderma pigmentosum group A member 10 (XPD10) mutant adenine (A) allele (adjusted HR, 0.64; P = .04) and the x‐ray cross‐complementing group 1 (XRCC1) mutant guanine (G) allele (adjusted HR, 0.51; P = .02) also were independent predictors of OS. Carriers of the mutant adenosine triphosphate‐dependent DNA helicase Q1 (RECQ1) C allele or the mutant cytidine deaminase (CDA) C allele were more likely to experience severe leukocytopenia (26% vs 10% [P = .03] and 28% vs 11% [P = .02], respectively) compared with wild‐type genotype carriers. Patients who carried the homozygous mutant glutathione S‐transferase π 1(GSTP1) GG genotype were at considerable risk for severe platinum‐associated polyneuropathy (18% vs 3% in wild‐type vs heterozygous mutant patients, respectively; P = .01).

CONCLUSIONS:

To the authors' knowledge, this is the first prospective study to date in patients with advanced NSCLC describing predictive germline polymorphisms not only for the clinical activity of PG chemotherapy (ERCC1, XPD10) but also for its toxicity (GSTP1, RECQ1, CDA). Nonplatinum‐containing chemotherapy in carriers of the ERCC1 T allele or the XPD10 G allele should be studied prospectively. Cancer 2012;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Validation of the MD Anderson Prognostic Risk Model for patients with myelodysplastic syndrome
Authors: Komrokji Rami S. , Corrales‐Yepez Maria , Al Ali Najla , Kharfan‐Dabaja Mohammad , Padron Eric , Fields Teresa , Lancet Jeffrey E. , List Alan F.
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND:

The proposed MD Anderson Risk Model Score (MDAS) for myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) refines outcome discrimination compared with the International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS). We applied the MDAS to Moffitt Cancer Center (MCC) MDS patients to validate its prognostic utility.

METHODS:

This was a retrospective analysis of MDS cases, as defined by World Health Organization criteria, from the Moffitt database, with confirmatory chart review.

RESULTS:

A total of 775 patients evaluated between January 2001 and December 2009 were included. Patients were reclassified by MDAS as low (20.6%), intermediate‐1 (31%), intermediate‐2 (21%), high risk (16.1%), and unknown (11.2%). Median overall survival (OS) from diagnosis was 92, 49, 27, and 14 months for low, intermediate‐1, intermediate‐2, and high‐risk MDAS groups, respectively (P < .005). Median OS from referral was 61, 28, 15, and 8 months (P < .005), respectively. Among 484 patients classified by IPSS as low or intermediate‐1 risk, 25% were up‐staged as intermediate‐2 or high risk by MDAS; 4 prognostically distinct subgroups were identified among lower risk IPSS categories with median OS of 93, 53, 31, and 18 months (P < .005). Among 201 intermediate‐2 or high‐risk IPSS patients, 15.4% were down‐staged to intermediate‐1 by MDAS, with 3 groups identified by MDAS having median OS of 33, 23, and 14 months. Acute myeloid leukemia transformation rate was highest among high‐risk MDAS (50.4%). In Cox regression analysis, higher risk MDAS predicted inferior OS (hazard ratio 1.42; P < .005) independent of IPSS.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our data validated MDAS' prognostic value. MDAS is complementary to IPSS and refines prognostic precision. Cancer 2011;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Racial disparities in breast cancer mortality in a multiethnic cohort in the Southeast
Authors: Adams Swann Arp , Butler William M. , Fulton Jeanette , Heiney Sue P. , Williams Edith M. , Delage Alexandria F. , Khang Leepao , Hebert James R.
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND:

Although much has been done to examine those factors associated with higher mortality among African American women, there is a paucity of literature that examines disparities among rural African Americans in South Carolina. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the association of race and mortality among breast cancer patients in a large cohort residing in South Carolina for which treatment regimens are standardized for all patients.

METHODS:

Subjects included 1209 women diagnosed with breast cancer between 2000 and 2002 at a large, local hospital containing a comprehensive breast center. Kaplan‐Meier survival curves were calculated to determine survival rates among African American and European American women, stratified by disease stage or other prognostic characteristics. Adjusting for various characteristics, Cox multivariate survival models were used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR).

RESULTS:

The 5‐year overall all‐cause mortality survival proportion was ∼78% for African American women and ∼89% for European American women, P < 0.01. In analyses of subpopulations of women with identical disease characteristics, African American women had significantly higher mortality than European American women for the same type of breast cancer disease. In multivariate models, African American women had significantly higher mortality than European American women for both breast cancer‐specific death (HR, 2.41; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.21‐4.79) and all‐cause mortality (HR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.06‐1.89).

CONCLUSIONS:

African American women residing in rural South Carolina had lower survival for breast cancer even after adjustment for disease‐related prognostic characteristics. These findings support health interventions among African American breast cancer patients aimed at tertiary prevention strategies or further down‐staging of disease at diagnosis. Cancer 2011. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Colour and tolerance of preferred skin colours on digital photographic images
Authors: Zeng Huanzhao , Luo Ronnier
Published: September 2011

Skin‐tone has been an active research subject in photographic colour reproduction. There is a consistent conclusion that preferred skin colours are different from actual skin colours. However, preferred skin colours found from different studies are somewhat different. To have a solid understanding of skin colour preference of digital photographic images, psychophysical experiments were conducted to determine a preferred skin colour region and to study inter‐observer variation and tolerance of preferred skin colours. In the first experiment, a preferred skin colour region is searched on the entire skin colour region. A set of nine predetermined colour centers uniformly sampled within the skin colour ellipse in CIELAB a*b* diagram is used to morph skin colours of test images. Preferred skin colour centers are found through the experiment. In a second experiment, a twice denser sampling of nine skin colour centers around the preferred skin colour center determined in the first experiment are generated to repeat the experiment using a different set of test images and judged by a different panel of observers. The results from both experiments are compared and final preferred skin colour centers are obtained. Variations and hue and chroma tolerances of the observer skin colour preference are also analysed. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 2013
STAT5 in human basophils: IL‐3 is required for its FcεRI‐mediated phosphorylation
Authors: Verweij Marjoke M. , Sabato Vito , Nullens Sara , Bridts Chris H. , De Clerck Luc S. , Stevens Wim J. , Ebo Didier G.
Published: September 2011

Basophils are key effector cells in allergic inflammatory reactions. However, the mechanisms of FcεRI‐induced degranulation are complex and remain to be disentangled. Signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) molecules modulate various cell functions. STAT5 appears to be essential for IgE‐mediated mast cell function, but its role in human basophils after cross‐linking FcεRI is unknown. In this study, STAT5 phosphorylation was investigated by flow cytometry, and combined with analyses of the degranulation marker CD63 at single cell level. Kinetics of STAT5 phosphorylation were studied in basophils of birch pollen allergic patients and showed a fast phosphorylation induced by interleukin (IL)‐3, but not with antigen alone. Stimulating basophils with a mixture of allergen and IL‐3 resulted in a two to three fold higher phosphorylation of STAT5 than induced by IL‐3 alone. In the presence of IL‐3, antigen elicited a dose‐dependent STAT5 response. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that STAT5 in human basophils is activated through both the IL‐3 and the FcεRI signaling pathway. © 2011 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Expression of immunoreactivity of nuclear findings by p53 and cyclin a in endometrial cytology: Comparison with endometrial glandular and stromal breakdown and endometrioid adenocarcinoma grade 1
Authors: Norimatsu Yoshiaki , Ohsaki Hiroyuki , Yanoh Kenji , Kawanishi Namiki , Kobayashi Tadao K.
Published: September 2011

It is well known that “condensed cluster of stromal cells (CCSC)” and “metaplastic clumps with irregular protrusion (MCIP)” in endometrial glandular and stromal breakdown (EGBD) cases may simulate “clumps of cancer cells (CCC)” in endometrioid adenocarcinoma grade 1 (G1), leading to difficulty in cytological interpretation. The aim of this study was undertaken to clarify the cytological immunoreactivity of nuclear findings about CCSC and MCIP which may be recognized in EGBD cases by using p53 protein and cyclin A in liquid‐based cytologic (LBC) preparations. The material consists of cytologic smears of 20 cases of EGBD and 20 cases of G1 for which histopathological diagnosis was obtained by endometrial curettage at the JA Suzuka General Hospital. The evaluation of immunoreactivity was performed by using the intensity of nuclear staining and the nuclear labeling index (N‐LI). The intensity of nuclear staining was scored as negative (0), weak (1), moderate (2), or strong (3). The N‐LI was scored as less than 10% (0), from 10 to 25% (1), from 26 to 50% (2), or greater than 50% (3). The final score was calculated of the addition of both partial scores.

Results are as follows: As for the p53 protein immunoreactivity, CCC (2.4 ± 1.4) was a significantly higher value in comparison with CCSC (0) and MCIP (0.8 ± 0.4), respectively. As for the cyclin A immunoreactivity, CCC (2.8 ± 1.1) was a significantly higher value in comparison with CCSC (0) and MCIP (0.6 ± 0.5), respectively. CCSC and MCIP in EGBD are misunderstood as cellular atypia and structural atypia on occasion; but, as for results of the immunoreactivity scores of p53 protein and cyclin A in our study, it seemed that those biochemical characters proved that the biological activity level was low (or degenerative).

The results of the current study demonstrated that the cytological immunoreactivity of nuclear findings by p53 and cyclin A appear to be more useful for the LBC assessment of endometrial lesions, especially for the discrimination of EGBD and G1.Diagn. Cytopathol. 2013;41:303–307. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Persistent sensitization of depressive‐like behavior and thermogenic response during maternal separation in pre‐ and post‐weaning guinea pigs
Authors: Schneider Randi L. , Schiml Patricia A. , Deak Terrence , Hennessy Michael B.
Published: September 2011

Early attachment disruption is thought to promote later onset of depressive illness through a process involving sensitization. Maternal separation in guinea pig pups produces depressive‐like behavior and core body temperature fluctuations that appear to be mediated by proinflammatory activity. In pups near the age of weaning (∼20 days of age), these responses are increased during repeated separations occurring over several days. Here, enhanced depressive‐like behavior and core body temperature responses were observed during repeated separations in guinea pigs from ∼10 to 30 days of age. The sensitization lasted for more than a week, with the greatest temperature response occurring during the final separation. These results demonstrate persisting sensitization of behavioral and thermogenic responses to maternal separation over the age range in which these responses are known to occur. The findings are consistent with the hypothesis that proinflammatory activity contributes to the sensitization response and provide further suggestion that the impact of early attachment disruption on susceptibility to depression may involve proinflammatory processes. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals,Inc. Dev Psychobiol 54: 514–522, 2012.