bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of the catalytic oxidation of benzene to maleic anhydride by wave front analysis with respect to the application of periodic operation
Authors: Fiolitakis E. , Schmid M. , Hofmann H. , Silveston P. L.
Published: January 2009

A kinetic analysis of the partial oxidation of benzene to maleic anhydride over a Merck, Sharp and Dohme developed V2O5‐MoO3/TiO2 catalyst shows that partial oxidation proceeds through surface reduction, induction and collapse phases. In each, surface species and reactions are different. The reduction/induction phases correspond to a “ignited” state whereas the collapse phase is similar to an extinguished state familiar in the catalytic oxidation of CO. Selectivity to maleic anhydride is lower in the extinguished state. Periodic operation should offer a means to keep selectivity high provided the cycle period does not exceed just a few minutes. Improvement in selectivity of close to 100% has been attained by periodic switching of the feed composition between mixtures containing oxygen and benzene in ratios of 2.4 and 4.6 with periods between 1/2 and 6 minutes. Benzene conversion, however, is lower.
Application of the pseudoadiabatic operation to catalytic fixed bed reactors case of the orthoxylene oxidation
Authors: De Lasa H.
Published: January 2009

This is a further contribution to establish the crucial interest of appropriately considering the influence of a non‐boiling cooling flow when modeling and operating exothermal multitubular catalytic reactors. Particularly, the characteristics of a condition named “pseudoadiabatic operation” (PO) where the maximum temperature appears at the reactor exit is analysed. The purpose of the present study is to illustrate the peculiarities of the PO and their significance for the design and operation of orthoxylene oxidation multitubular catalytic reactors.
A theoretical and experimental investigation of trapping in pore doublets
Authors: Laidlaw W. G. , Wardlaw N. C.
Published: January 2009

The mechanism for trapping oil in a pore doublet with a finite source and sink is examined both theoretically and experimentally. The characteristics of the source and sink play a crucial role in determining whether there is a potential for trapping in the wider or narrower branch of the doublet and are explicitly treated for the first time.

The analysis includes fluids of unequal viscosity and it is shown that the fluid viscosities should affect trapping only in special circumstances. Trapping of the displaced phase is not a function of scale when the external pressure drop is either zero or much larger than the capillary pressure. However, any attempt to control trapping by an external pressure is constrained by the scale of the pores involved.
Vapor‐liquid equilibrium calculations using the topological treatment of mixtures
Authors: Aucejo A. , Orchillés A. , Berna A. , Mulet A.
Published: January 2009

The Topological Treatment of mixtures is applied to several kinds of binary mixtures to obtain VLE diagrams. The excess Gibbs free energy, gE, is calculated as the product of a topological vector and an information vector. The pure compound topological description were obtained following the DARC system rules. A weighting function was introduced to obtain the topological description of a mixture. The information vector is calculated from experimental data. It is shown that for binary mixtures alcohol‐alkane, the components of this vector varies linearly with the average number of carbon atoms of chemical compounds. This relationship allows prediction of the VLE diagram for any other system of the family. The results obtained are in good agreement with literature data.
Temperature and pressure dependence of liquid viscosity
Authors: Utracki L. A.
Published: January 2009

Statistical thermodynamics theory, based on the cell/hole model, provides an excellent description of liquid properties in the full range of reduced variables \documentclass{article}\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}$ \tilde P.\tilde T.\tilde V $\end{document}. In addition, the theory provides the occupied site fraction y as a function of these reduced variables. This paper examines the relation between the temperature and pressure dependent liquid viscosity and the parameter y. Properties of n‐paraffins are discussed.
An analogy between the spouted bed phenomena and the bubbling‐to‐spray transition
Authors: Chen J. J. J. , Lam Y. W.
Published: January 2009

An analogy is drawn between the onset of minimum spouting and the bubbling‐to‐spray transition on a sieve tray to derive an analytical equation which relates the bed depth to the minimum air velocity required for the onset of spouting. The derived equation and the significance of the terms appearing in it are discussed and compared with existing correlations and the available data.
Arzneiliche Kindertherapie in der frühen Neuzeit. “Pro infantibus”
Authors: Manzke Walter Martin
Published: January 2009

Die hier besprochenen Schriften von Paulus Bagellardus (1472), Bartholomäus Metlinger (1473) und Cornelius Roelans von Mecheln (1483/84), Eucharius Rösslin (1513), Thomas Phaire (1544) und Hieronymus Mercurialis (1583) stellen die ersten gedruckten Monographien auf dem Gebiet einer sich langsam herausbildenden speziellen Kindermedizin dar. All diesen Publikationen galt dabei als wichtigstes therapeutisches Kriterium das Prinzip, zunächst den leichtesten Eingriff in die infantile Konstitution vorzunehmen, indem man mit dem schwächsten Medikament begann und dieses – wenn sich die erhoffte Besserung nicht einstellte – erst in einem zweiten Schritt durch stärkere ersetzte. Der Gedanke eines kinderadäquaten Heilkonzepts – in das auch stets die Amme eingebunden war – kommt zudem in der Warnung vor bestimmten Drogen ebenso zum Ausdruck wie im Verzicht auf einzelne Applikationsarten; ferner lässt sich in diesen Schriften bereits eine altersabhängige Differenzierung in der Dosierung sowie eine strenge Indikationsstellung bei der Verabfolgung hochwirksamer bzw. aus dem Erwachsenenrepertoire stammender Arzneimittel erkennen. An Darreichungsformen kamen hauptsächlich Externa und Oralia zum Einsatz, während es sich bei den verwendeten Arzneistoffen in der Regel um Vegetabilia handelte. Die Beigabe von Korrigenzien unterstreicht das Bemühen um eine kindgerechte Zubereitung und ist bis heute Bestandteil der medikamentösen Versorgung kleiner Patienten geblieben.
Rezeptur‐ und Defekturarzneimittel. Therapieoptionen für pädiatrische Patienten
Authors: Bruns Cornelia
Published: January 2009

Für die Therapie von pädiatrischen und geriatrischen Patienten, aber auch von Erwachsenen mit seltenen Erkrankungen werden Rezeptur‐ und Defekturarzneimittel weiterhin eine wichtige Rolle spielen. Diese Arzneimittel zur Verfügung stellen zu können, verlangt von den herstellenden Apothekern ein hohes Maß an technologischem, analytischem, biopharmazeutischem und pharmakologischem Wissen, insbesondere auch auf dem Gebiet der Wirk‐ und Hilfsstoffe.

Ob sich qualitativ hochwertige Rezeptur‐ und Defekturherstellung unter dem gegebenen wirtschaftlichen Druck und gesetzlichen Rahmenbedingungen der Versorgungswege durchsetzen kann, hängt nicht zuletzt davon ab, inwieweit die Notwendigkeit der Herstellung in Apotheken wieder Wertschätzung und Akzeptanz erfährt. Es ist daher auch eine Frage der Gesellschaft, welche Therapiemöglichkeiten sie sich leisten und konsequenterweise honorieren möchte.
Es grünt so grün...
Authors: Zündorf Ilse , Dingermann Theo , Winckler Thomas
Published: January 2009

And the winner is... Aequorea victoria. Oh, Pardon, nein, vielmehr sind es die drei US‐Forscher Martin Chalfie, Roger Tsien und Osamu Shimomura, die in der Qualle aus dem Pazifik das grün‐fluoreszierende Protein (GFP) entdeckt, für erste Versuche angewendet und neue fluoreszierende Proteine davon abgeleitet haben. Dafür wurde ihnen der Nobelpreis für Chemie verliehen.
The determination of hydrophile‐lipophile balance by gas‐liquid chromatography
Authors: Becher Paul , Birkmeier R. L.
Published: January 2009

Measurement of the relative retention time of a pair of liquids, one polar and one nonpolar, permits determination of the polarity of the liquid Chromatographic substrate. It is shown that this polarity is a measure of the hydrophile‐lipophile balance (HLB) when the substrate is a surface‐active agent. The effects of structure, additivity in mixtures, and free polyol are discussed. A GLC apparatus, designed, to permit the rapid determination of HLB by this technique, is described.
Catalytic elimination of cyclopropene‐containing acids
Authors: Deutschman A. J. , Berry J. W. , Kircher H. W. , Sakir C. M.
Published: January 2009

A procedure is described for decreasing the cyclopropene ring acids in cottonseed oil triglycerides as indicated by the Halphen test. Continuous reaction of the oil in the presence of aluminum silicate catalyst at elevated temp effectively decreases its cyclopropene acid content. The effect of temp and space velocity are described from temp of 170‐225C. The treated oil produces no observable effect on egg quality or production.
The oxidized‐metallic and grassy flavor components of autoxidized milk fat
Authors: Hammond E. G. , Hill F. D.
Published: January 2009

OCt‐1‐en‐3‐one accounts for the metallic flavor of autoxidized milk fat. In combination with small amounts of aldehydes it gives an oxidized flavor to milk. The grassy flavor component observed in autoxidized milk fat is shown to betrans‐ cis‐2,6‐nonadienal. Mechanisms are proposed for the production of oct‐l‐en‐3‐one from linoleate and 2,6‐nonadienal from linolenate.
The temperature dependence of the expansion coefficient of liquid glycendes
Authors: Hendrikse P. W.
Published: January 2009

The temperature dependence of the expansion per degree C, E, has been determined for a number of simple triglycerides and for natural oils and fats. This dependence could be expressed as a straight line: E = Bo + kt The E‐values found for simple triglycerides indicate that: 1) The E‐value for the trisaturated glycerides is independent of the chain length; 2) the E‐lines for triolein and the trisaturated glycerides run parallel, thus enabling the E for a mixed triglyceride as 2‐oleoyl‐distearoyl glycerol to be calculated from those for triolein and tristearin; 3) the E‐line for trielaidin has a different slope from that of triolein. In calculating dilatations for practical purposes, the E‐values for natural oils and fats can be rounded off to 20.5 + 0.02 t. When we have to correct for the expansion of the liquid fat phase, the equation: Ux = E.(te ‐ tx) has to be changed into the more accurate expression:
Long Chaina‐phosphono fatty acids, salts and esters
Authors: Maurer E. W. , Stirton A. J. , Ault W. C. , Weil J. K.
Published: January 2009

A series of ॅ‐phosphono fatty acids and their salts and esters was prepared from pelargonic, capric, lauric, myristic, palmitic, and stearic acids. In comparison to correspondingॅ‐sulfo fatty acids theॅ‐phosphono fatty acids are white solids of higher melting point, weaker acids, less hygroscopic, have a lower critical micelle concentration and are less resistant to hard water. Methyl, isopropyl, and amyl esters RCH. [PO (OH)2] CO2R艂, were prepared from the ॅ‐phosphono fatty acids; a sulfuric acid catalyst was required in the case of lower boiling alcohols. Hydrolysis studies with sodium methylॅ‐phosphonomyristate showed the a‐phosphono ester to be 50 times as stable towards alkali as the correspondingॅ‐sulfo ester, but only one‐tenth as stable toward acid hydrolysis. Wetting, foaming, detergent, and other surface active properties of theॅ‐phosphono fatty acids, salts, and esters were measured and compared with those of analogousॅ‐sulfo compounds.
A naturally occurring all‐cis 6,9,12,15‐Octadecatetraenoic acid in plant oils
Authors: Craig B. M. , Bhatty M. K.
Published: January 2009

Oil extracted from freshly ground seed ofOnosmodium occidentale contains 9‐oleic, 9,12‐linoleic, 6,9,12‐linolenic, 9,12,15‐linolenic, 6,9,12, 15‐octadecatetraenoic and 11‐eicosenoic as unsaturated fatty acids. Column chromatography employing silicic acid‐silver nitrate, and oxidation with permanganate‐periodate was used in conjunction with GLC to confirm the structures of the unsaturated acids. Oils extracted from other members of the Boraginaceae family also contain the 6,9,12, linolenic and octadecatetraenoic acids.
Determination of the glyceride structure of fats: Gas liquid chromatography of oxidized glycendes
Authors: Youngs C. G. , Subbaram M. R.
Published: January 2009

A method has been developed for the determination of glyceride composition of natural fats, which involves oxidation of the fat by permanganate‐periodate, esterification of the oxidized glycerides, and subsequent GLC using a flame ionization detector. Quantitative analyses, requiring about 4 hr and 20 mg of sample, are reported. The method gives the distribution of individual saturated acids within the glycerides. Glyceride composition of four vegetable oils has been determined, using the above procedure.
Some problems in improving tropical materials utilized by the United Kingdom oilmilling industry
Authors: Hiscocks E. S. , Raymond W. D.
Published: January 2009

This paper considers palm oil, palm kernels, and peanuts imported to the U.K., mainly from Nigeria. The origin of the oil palm and the peanut plant, their commercial development, and the antiquity of the use of palm oil is discussed, and a brief description is given of the manner in which the crops are handled and processed in West Africa.

By the control of lipolysis, due to 1) the presence of lipases in the fruit, 2) chemical hydrolysis, and 3) the lipolytic action of moulds, oil with about 1% fatty acid may be marketed; most Nigerian peasant‐produced oil is below 5%. It is mainly edible, but not easily bleached. This is due to oxidation caused by lipoxidases in the fruit, and oxidation by air catalysed in the presence of metals, especially iron. By control of these factors Nigerian oil of excellent bleach‐ability may be prepared.

Palm kernels suffer from acidity and browning. Development of acidity is ascribed to kernel breakage with concomitant development of lipolytic moulds and bacteria. Non‐enzymic browning is mentioned.

Nigerian peanut oil from the 1951‐52 crop averaged 5.63% free fatty acid content (FFA) compared with 1.46% for 1960‐61. This improvement is largely due to improved methods of decortication. Some preliminary studies are reported concerning mould growth on kernels stored under West African conditions and work on toxicity associated with certain batches of peanuts, caused by the mould,Aspergillus flavus.
The structure of polyenoic odd‐ and even‐numbered fatty acids of mullet (Mugil cephalus)
Authors: Sen Nirmal , Schlenk Hermann
Published: January 2009

Mullet oil contains more than 25% straight‐chain odd‐numbered fatty acids. Odd‐ and even‐numbered components of chain lengths C15 to C20 were isolated and their structures determined. The vinylmethane rhythm prevails in all polyun‐saturated acids. Numerous homologs have their double bonds in identical positions, relative to the carboxyl group, as for example, 舥9,12‐ and 舥6,9,12‐C15, ‐C16, ‐C17 and ‐C18 acids. The terminal structures which are characteristic for oleic, linoleic, etc., families are not found in the unsaturated odd‐numbered acids.

The results show: that the proximal structure has greater influence than the terminal structure on the biosynthesis of unsaturated odd‐numbered acids; that chain lengths of 17 and 18 carbon atoms with double bonds in position 9 are crucial for synthesis of the polyenoic C19 and C20 acids; that chain lengths C15 and C16 with double bonds in position 9 are suitable for desaturation but that they are not suitable for desaturation after elongation.

These specifications bring all acids of mullet into a rational order and reflect their possible interconversions. Presently, such classification has only limited predictive value in regard to the physiological properties of polyunsaturated acids. However, the new definitions for grouping the polyunsaturated fatty acids lead to interesting working hypotheses.
Disparities in Stroke Rehabilitation: Results of a Study in an Integrated Health System in Northern California
Authors: Sandel M. Elizabeth , Wang Hua , Terdiman Joseph , Hoffman Jeanne M. , Ciol Marcia A. , Sidney Steven , Quesenberry Charles , Lu Qi , Chan Leighton
Published: January 2009

Objective

To determine whether there are disparities in postacute stroke rehabilitation based on type of stroke, race/ethnicity, sex/gender, age, socioeconomic status, geographic region, or service area referral patterns in a large integrated health system with multiple levels of care.

Design

Cohort study tracking rehabilitation services for 365 days after acute hospitalization for a first stroke.

Setting

The Northern California Kaiser Permanente Health System (approximately 3.3 million membership population)

Participants

A total of 11,119 patients hospitalized for acute stroke from 1996 to 2003. The cohort includes patients discharged from acute care after a stroke. Postacute care rehabilitation services were evaluated according to the level of care ever‐received within the 365 days after discharge from acute care, including inpatient rehabilitation hospital (IRH), skilled nursing facility (SNF), home health and outpatient, or no rehabilitation services.

Interventions

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measure

Service delivery.

Results

Patients discharged to an IRH had longer lengths of stay in acute care. Patients with hemorrhagic stroke were less likely to be treated in an IRH. Patients whose highest level of rehabilitation was SNF were older and more likely to be women. After adjusting for age and other covariates, women were less likely to go to an IRH than men. Asian and black patients were more likely than white patients to be treated in an IRH or SNF. Also more likely to go to an IRH were patients from higher socioeconomic groups, from urban areas, and from geographic areas close to the regional rehabilitation hospital.

Conclusions

These results suggest variation in care delivery and extent of postacute care based on differences in patient demographics and geographic factors. Results also varied over time. Some minority populations in this cohort appeared to be more likely to receive IRH care, possibly because of disease severity, family support systems, cultural factors, or differences in referral patterns.
Practice Parameter: The Evaluation of Distal Symmetric Polyneuropathy: The Role of Autonomic Testing, Nerve Biopsy, and Skin Biopsy (An Evidence‐Based Review)
Authors: England J.D. , Gronseth G.S. , Franklin G. , Carter G.T. , Kinsella L.J. , Cohen J.A. , Asbury A.K. , Szigeti K. , Lupski J.R. , Latov N. , Lewis R.A. , Low P.A. , Fisher M.A. , Herrmann D. , Howard J.F. , Lauria G. , Miller R.G. , Polydefkis M. , Sumner A.J.
Published: January 2009

Background

Distal symmetric polyneuropathy (DSP) is the most common variety of neuropathy. Since the evaluation of this disorder is not standardized, the available literature was reviewed to provide evidence‐based guidelines regarding the role of autonomic testing, nerve biopsy and skin biopsy for the assessment of polyneuropathy.

Methods

A literature review using MEDLINE, EMBASE, Science Citation Index and Current Contents was performed to identify the best evidence regarding the evaluation of polyneuropathy published between 1980 and March 2007. Articles were classified according to a four‐tiered level of evidence scheme and recommendations were based upon the level of evidence.

Results and Conclusions

1. Autonomic testing may be considered in the evaluation of patients with polyneuropathy to document autonomic nervous system dysfunction (Level B). Such testing should be considered especially for the evaluation of suspected autonomic neuropathy (Level B) and distal small fiber sensory polyneuropathy (SFSN) (Level C). A battery of validated tests is recommended to achieve the highest diagnostic accuracy (Level B). 2. Nerve biopsy is generally accepted as useful in the evaluation of certain neuropathies as in patients with suspected amyloid neuropathy, mononeuropathy multiplex due to vasculitis, or with atypical forms of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). However, the literature is insufficient to provide a recommendation regarding when a nerve biopsy may be useful in the evaluation of DSP (Level U). 3. Skin biopsy is a validated technique for determining intraepidermal nerve fiber (IENF) density and may be considered for the diagnosis of DSP, particularly SFSN (Level C). There is a need for additional prospective studies to define more exact guidelines for the evaluation of polyneuropathy.
Beyond Expectations: Effects of Early Elections in U.S. Presidential Nomination Contests
Authors: Donovan Todd , Hunsaker Rob
Published: January 2009

This article explores how results from Iowa may affect outcomes in subsequent nomination contests. We suggest that how Iowa matters may be determined, at least in part, by how voters and the news media assess whether or not candidates meet or exceed expectations there.
Bäcklund transformations for a discrete second Painlevé hierarchy
Authors: Pickering A.
Published: January 2009

We present a new general formulation of our approach to obtaining auto-Bäcklund transformations. This formulation is much more straightforward and can be applied directly to discrete equations. As an example, we give a derivation of auto-Bäcklund transformations for a discrete second Painlevé hierarchy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time such results have been given for a discrete hierarchy.
Current drive by helicon waves
Authors: Paul Manash Kumar , Bora Dhiraj
Published: January 2009

Helicity in the dynamo field components of helicon wave is examined during the novel study of wave induced helicity current drive. Strong poloidal asymmetry in the wave magnetic field components is observed during helicon discharges formed in a toroidal vacuum chamber of small aspect ratio. High frequency regime is chosen to increase the phase velocity of helicon waves which in turn minimizes the resonant wave-particle interactions and enhances the contribution of the nonresonant current drive mechanisms. Owing to the strong poloidal asymmetry in the wave magnetic field structures, plasma current is driven mostly by the dynamo-electric-field, which arise due to the wave helicity injection by helicon waves. Small, yet finite contribution from the suppressed wave-particle resonance cannot be ruled out in the operational regime examined. A brief discussion on the parametric dependence of plasma current along with numerical estimations of nonresonant components is presented. A close agreement between the numerical estimation and measured plasma current magnitude is obtained during the present investigation.
Thermodynamic theory of shape evolution induced by Si capping in Ge quantum dot self-assembly
Authors: Li X. L. , Yang G. W.
Published: January 2009

A quantitative thermodynamic theory has been established to investigate the shape evolution mechanisms induced by Si capping in Ge quantum dot self-assembly. It was found that the decrease in Ge concentration of the quantum dot induced by Si absorption breaks the original balance of composition between the quantum dot and wetting layer. In order to create a new balance, the wetting layer is required to increase its thickness through the Ge diffusion from the quantum dot to the wetting layer, which leads to the shape evolution of the growing quantum dot. The Ge diffusion can suppress the expansion of quantum dots and promote their shrinkage. The theoretical results not only are in well agreement with the experimental observations but also reveal physical mechanisms involved in the Ge quantum dot self-assembly induced by Si capping, which implies that the established thermodynamic theory could be expected to be applicable to address the capping-assisted self-assembly of quantum dots.
Surface plasmon resonance via polarization conversion in a weak anisotropic thin film
Authors: Jen Yi-Jun , Liao Yi-Hong
Published: January 2009

A columnar structured thin film with weak anisotropy is applied to trigger the electromagnetic wave with forbidden polarization state to excite surface plasmon. The precursory work is done here for the conventional Kretschmann configuration [D. Sarid, Phys. Rev. Lett. 47, 1927 (1981)] by arranging an anisotropic thin film in the configuration as a three-layered system (prism/anisotropic dielectric film/metal film/isotropic thin film/air). It enables both p-polarized and s-polarized incident waves simultaneously to excite surface plasmon.
Light-controlled selective metal deposition on photopolymer films
Authors: Tsujioka Tsuyoshi , Matsui Ai
Published: January 2009

Fine metal patterning was performed by selective Mg deposition on photopolymers. Mg patterns with a minimum width of 5 μm were obtained by using maskless vacuum evaporation. The selective deposition originates in the difference of glass transition temperature, microscopically, of surface molecular motion between polymerized and nonpolymerized photopolymer surfaces. The difference between photoreactive small molecules and polymers was also discussed. The selective metal deposition method would be applied to a wide range of organic surfaces; this method showed great potential for the preparation of fine wiring for various organic electronic devices.
Rapid determination of hydrogen positions and protonation states of diisopropyl fluorophosphatase by joint neutron and X-ray diffraction refinement
Authors: Blum Marc-Michael , Mustyakimov Marat , Rüterjans Heinz , Kehe Kai , Schoenborn Benno P. , Langan Paul , Chen Julian C.-H.
Published: January 2009

Hydrogen atoms constitute about half of all atoms in proteins and play a critical role in enzyme mechanisms and macromolecular and solvent structure. Hydrogen atom positions can readily be determined by neutron diffraction, and as such, neutron diffraction is an invaluable tool for elucidating molecular mechanisms. Joint refinement of neutron and X-ray diffraction data can lead to improved models compared with the use of neutron data alone and has now been incorporated into modern, maximum-likelihood based crystallographic refinement programs like CNS. Joint refinement has been applied to neutron and X-ray diffraction data collected on crystals of diisopropyl fluorophosphatase (DFPase), a calcium-dependent phosphotriesterase capable of detoxifying organophosphorus nerve agents. Neutron omit maps reveal a number of important features pertaining to the mechanism of DFPase. Solvent molecule W33, coordinating the catalytic calcium, is a water molecule in a strained coordination environment, and not a hydroxide. The smallest Ca–O–H angle is 53°, well beyond the smallest angles previously observed. Residue Asp-229, is deprotonated, supporting a mechanism involving nucleophilic attack by Asp-229, and excluding water activation by the catalytic calcium. The extended network of hydrogen bonding interactions in the central water filled tunnel of DFPase is revealed, showing that internal solvent molecules form an important, integrated part of the overall structure.
CD40–CD40L cross-talk integrates strong antigenic signals and microbial stimuli to induce development of IL-17-producing CD4
+
T cells
Authors: Iezzi Giandomenica , Sonderegger Ivo , Ampenberger Franziska , Schmitz Nicole , Marsland Benjamin J. , Kopf Manfred
Published: January 2009

IL-17-producing CD4
+
T cells have been recognized as key players in organ-related autoimmune disease; however, the parameters that govern their development are yet to be elucidated fully. By using both in vivo and in vitro systems, we have investigated the role of antigen dose, pathogen-associated molecular patterns, and CD40–CD40 ligand (CD40L) cross-talk in Th17 differentiation. We found that the strength of antigenic stimulation critically influenced the extent of Th17 differentiation, because high, but not low or intermediate, antigen concentrations led to IL-17 production. Strong antigenic stimulation of T cells up-regulated CD40L expression, which in concert with certain microbial stimuli (i.e., cytosine phosphate guanine, curdlan, and zymosan) synergistically increased dendritic cell (DC) IL-6 production and Th17 polarization. CD40-deficient DCs exhibited reduced cytokine release and failed to drive Th17 development in vitro. These results were confirmed in vivo where the absence of CD40–CD40L cross-talk was found to prevent the expansion of IL-17-producing cells and accordingly the development of experimental autoimmune encephalitis. Our data demonstrate that CD40–CD40L cross-talk is important for Th17 development by translating strong T cell receptor and microbial stimuli into IL-6 production.
3D structure of the C3bB complex provides insights into the activation and regulation of the complement alternative pathway convertase
Authors: Torreira Eva , Tortajada Agustín , Montes Tamara , de Córdoba Santiago Rodríguez , Llorca Oscar
Published: January 2009

Generation of the alternative pathway C3-convertase, the central amplification enzyme of the complement cascade, initiates by the binding of factor B (fB) to C3b to form the proconvertase, C3bB. C3bB is subsequently cleaved by factor D (fD) at a single site in fB, producing Ba and Bb fragments. Ba dissociates from the complex, while Bb remains bound to C3b, forming the active alternative pathway convertase, C3bBb. Using single-particle electron microscopy we have determined the 3-dimensional structures of the C3bB and the C3bBb complexes at ≈27Å resolution. The C3bB structure shows that fB undergoes a dramatic conformational change upon binding to C3b. However, the C3b-bound fB structure was easily interpreted after independently fitting the atomic structures of the isolated Bb and Ba fragments. Interestingly, the divalent cation-binding site in the von Willebrand type A domain in Bb faces the C345C domain of C3b, whereas the serine-protease domain of Bb points outwards. The structure also shows that the Ba fragment interacts with C3b separately from Bb at the level of the α′NT and CUB domains. Within this conformation, the long and flexible linker between Bb and Ba is likely exposed and accessible for cleavage by fD to form the active convertase, C3bBb. The architecture of the C3bB and C3bBb complexes reveals that C3b could promote cleavage and activation of fB by actively displacing the Ba domain from the von Willebrand type A domain in free fB. These structures provide a structural basis to understand fundamental aspects of the activation and regulation of the alternative pathway C3-convertase.
The tumor suppressor Cdc73 functionally associates with CPSF and CstF 3′ mRNA processing factors
Authors: Rozenblatt-Rosen Orit , Nagaike Takashi , Francis Joshua M. , Kaneko Syuzo , Glatt Karen A. , Hughes Christina M. , LaFramboise Thomas , Manley James L. , Meyerson Matthew
Published: January 2009

The
CDC73
tumor suppressor gene is mutationally inactivated in hereditary and sporadic parathyroid tumors. Its product, the Cdc73 protein, is a component of the RNA polymerase II and chromatin-associated human Paf1 complex (Paf1C). Here, we show that Cdc73 physically associates with the cleavage and polyadenylation specificity factor (CPSF) and cleavage stimulation factor (CstF) complexes that are required for the maturation of mRNA 3′ ends in the cell nucleus. Immunodepletion experiments indicate that the Cdc73–CPSF–CstF complex is necessary for 3′ mRNA processing in vitro. Microarray analysis of
CDC73
siRNA-treated cells revealed
INTS6
, a gene encoding a subunit of the Integrator complex, as an in vivo Cdc73 target. Cdc73 depletion by siRNA resulted in decreased
INTS6
mRNA abundance, and decreased association of CPSF and CstF subunits with the
INTS6
locus. Our results suggest that Cdc73 facilitates association of 3′ mRNA processing factors with actively-transcribed chromatin and support the importance of links between tumor suppression and mRNA maturation.
Correcting for ascertainment bias in the inference of population structure
Authors: Guillot Gilles , Foll Matthieu
Published: January 2009

Background: The ascertainment process of molecular markers amounts to disregard loci carrying alleles with low frequencies. This can result in strong biases in inferences under population genetics models if not properly taken into account by the inference algorithm. Attempting to model this censoring process in view of making inference of population structure (i.e.identifying clusters of individuals) brings up challenging numerical difficulties.

Method: These difficulties are related to the presence of intractable normalizing constants in Metropolis–Hastings acceptance ratios. This can be solved via an Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithm known as single variable exchange algorithm (SVEA).

Result: We show how this general solution can be implemented for a class of clustering models of broad interest in population genetics that includes the models underlying the computer programs STRUCTURE, GENELAND and GESTE. We also implement the method proposed for a simple example and show that it allows us to reduce the bias substantially.

Availability: Further details and a computer program implementing the method are available from http://folk.uio.no/gillesg/AscB/

Contact:  gilles.guillot@bio.uio.no
Molecular Interactions between the Specialist Herbivore Manduca sexta (Lepidoptera, Sphigidae) and Its Natural Host Nicotiana attenuata. VIII. An Unbiased GCxGC-ToFMS Analysis of the Plant's Elicited Volatile Emissions
Authors: Gaquerel Emmanuel , Weinhold Alexander , Baldwin Ian T.
Published: January 2009

Treating wounds in Nicotiana attenuata leaves with Manduca sexta oral secretions (W+OS) mimics most changes elicited by M. sexta herbivory, but an unbiased analysis of the effect of the different OS constituents on volatile emissions is lacking. We used two-dimensional gas chromatography/time-of-flight (GCxGC-ToF) mass spectrometry combined with multivariate statistics to parse volatiles into regulatory patterns. Volatiles released by wounding alone and by the alkalinity of OS were assessed by applying a buffer known to mimic the pH-mediated changes of OS elicitation (pectin methyl esterase activation and methanol release). The activities of fatty acid amino acid conjugates, well-known elicitors of antiherbivore defenses, and of 2-hydroxyoctadecatrienoic acid, a newly discovered signal in OS, were determined. Approximately 400 analytes were detected after deconvolution and alignment of GCxGC data; 35 volatiles were significantly regulated upon W+OS. Two-thirds of these were specifically regulated by OS, being either amplified (most terpenoids and certain hexenylesters) or strongly repressed (many short-chain alcohols and some aromatic and hexenylester derivatives). Fatty acid amino acid conjugates played a central role in this pattern of regulation, since they induced the emission of half of OS-elicited volatiles and inhibited the production of almost all OS-repressed volatiles; 2-hydroxyoctadecatrienoic acid influenced emission of trans-α-bergamotene, while other unknown OS constituents amplified hexenylester production. We conclude that the complex bouquet of herbivory-elicited volatiles results from the complex modulations of the wound response by diverse cues found in OS. This work also underscores the value of ultra-high-resolution GCxGC-ToF analysis combined with the nontargeted mining of the resulting data.
The Functional Role of Pack-MULEs in Rice Inferred from Purifying Selection and Expression Profile
Authors: Hanada Kousuke , Vallejo Veronica , Nobuta Kan , Slotkin R. Keith , Lisch Damon , Meyers Blake C. , Shiu Shin-Han , Jiang Ning
Published: January 2009

Gene duplication is an important mechanism for evolution of new genes. In plants, a special group of transposable elements, called Pack-MULEs or transduplicates, is able to duplicate and amplify genes or gene fragments on a large scale. Despite the abundance of Pack-MULEs, the functionality of these duplicates is not clear. Here, we present a comprehensive analysis of expression and purifying selection on 2809 Pack-MULEs in rice (Oryza sativa), which are derived from 1501 parental genes. At least 22% of the Pack-MULEs are transcribed, and 28 Pack-MULEs have direct evidence of translation. Chimeric Pack-MULEs, which contain gene fragments from multiple genes, are much more frequently expressed than those derived only from a single gene. In addition, Pack-MULEs are frequently associated with small RNAs. The presence of these small RNAs is associated with a reduction in expression of both the Pack-MULEs and their parental genes. Furthermore, an assessment of the selection pressure on the Pack-MULEs using the ratio of nonsynonymous (Ka) and synonymous (Ks) substitution rates indicates that a considerable number of Pack-MULEs likely have been under selective constraint. The Ka/Ks values of Pack-MULE and parental gene pairs are lower among Pack-MULEs that are expressed in sense orientations. Taken together, our analysis suggests that a significant number of Pack-MULEs are expressed and subjected to purifying selection, and some are associated with small RNAs. Therefore, at least a subset of Pack-MULEs are likely functional and have great potential in regulating gene expression as well as providing novel coding capacities.
The Plastidial 2-C-Methyl-d-Erythritol 4-Phosphate Pathway Provides the Isoprenyl Moiety for Protein Geranylgeranylation in Tobacco BY-2 Cells
Authors: Gerber Esther , Hemmerlin Andréa , Hartmann Michael , Heintz Dimitri , Hartmann Marie-Andrée , Mutterer Jérôme , Rodríguez-Concepción Manuel , Boronat Albert , Van Dorsselaer Alain , Rohmer Michel , Crowell Dring N. , Bach Thomas J.
Published: January 2009

Protein farnesylation and geranylgeranylation are important posttranslational modifications in eukaryotic cells. We visualized in transformed Nicotiana tabacum Bright Yellow-2 (BY-2) cells the geranylgeranylation and plasma membrane localization of GFP-BD-CVIL, which consists of green fluorescent protein (GFP) fused to the C-terminal polybasic domain (BD) and CVIL isoprenylation motif from the Oryza sativa calmodulin, CaM61. Treatment with fosmidomycin (Fos) or oxoclomazone (OC), inhibitors of the plastidial 2-C-methyl-d-erythritol 4-phosphate (MEP) pathway, caused mislocalization of the protein to the nucleus, whereas treatment with mevinolin, an inhibitor of the cytosolic mevalonate pathway, did not. The nuclear localization of GFP-BD-CVIL in the presence of MEP pathway inhibitors was completely reversed by all-trans-geranylgeraniol (GGol). Furthermore, 1-deoxy-d-xylulose (DX) reversed the effects of OC, but not Fos, consistent with the hypothesis that OC blocks 1-deoxy-d-xylulose 5-phosphate synthesis, whereas Fos inhibits its conversion to 2-C-methyl-d-erythritol 4-phosphate. By contrast, GGol and DX did not rescue the nuclear mislocalization of GFP-BD-CVIL in the presence of a protein geranylgeranyltransferase type 1 inhibitor. Thus, the MEP pathway has an essential role in geranylgeranyl diphosphate (GGPP) biosynthesis and protein geranylgeranylation in BY-2 cells. GFP-BD-CVIL is a versatile tool for identifying pharmaceuticals and herbicides that interfere either with GGPP biosynthesis or with protein geranylgeranylation.
TheArabidopsisMYB5 Transcription Factor Regulates Mucilage Synthesis, Seed Coat Development, and Trichome Morphogenesis
Authors: Li Song Feng , Milliken Olga Nicolaou , Pham Hanh , Seyit Reg , Napoli Ross , Preston Jeremy , Koltunow Anna M. , Parish Roger W.
Published: January 2009

The Arabidopsis thaliana  MYB5 gene is expressed in trichomes and seeds, including the seed coat. Constitutive expression of MYB5 resulted in the formation of more small trichomes and ectopic trichomes and a reduction in total leaf trichome numbers and branching. A myb5 mutant displayed minimal changes in trichome morphology, while a myb23 mutant produced increased numbers of small trichomes and two-branched trichomes. A myb5 myb23 double mutant developed more small rosette trichomes and two-branched trichomes than the single mutants. These results indicate that MYB5 and MYB23 regulate trichome extension and branching. The seed coat epidermal cells of myb5 and myb5 myb23 were irregular in shape, developed flattened columellae, and produced less mucilage than those of the wild type. Among the downregulated genes identified in the myb5 seeds using microarray analysis were ABE1 and ABE4 (α/β fold hydrolase/esterase genes), MYBL2, and GLABRA2. The same genes were also downregulated in transparent testa glabra1 (ttg1) seeds, suggesting that MYB5 collaborates with TTG1 in seed coat development. These genes were upregulated in leaves and roots by ectopically expressed MYB5. The MYBL2, ABE1, and ABE4 promoters were active in seeds, including seed coats, and the latter two also in trichomes. Models of the MYB5 regulatory networks involved in seed coat and trichome development are presented.
Who profits from neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy for locally advanced esophageal carcinoma?
Authors: Kersting Stephan , Konopke Ralf , Dittert Dag , Distler Marius , Rückert Felix , Gastmeier Jörg , Baretton Gustavo B , Saeger Hans D
Published: January 2009

Background:  Patients suffering from locally advanced esophageal carcinoma are generally treated using multimodal therapies. This prospective, non‐randomized trial was performed to evaluate the survival benefit of neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy prior to surgery in comparison with surgery only.

Patients & Methods:  Histopathological outcomes and survival were compared between 61 patients who underwent neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy and 64 comparable control patients who had been under‐staged. After neoadjuvant therapy, tumor regression was assessed using the method described by Mandard in 1994. Survival curves for the two groups were estimated using the Kaplan‐Meier method, and compared with the log‐rank test.

Results:  Median and 3‐year recurrence‐free survival for the entire group were 26 months and 39.7%, respectively. The median and 3‐year overall survival reached 34 months and 48.1%. Patients who showed complete response to neoadjuvant therapy had significantly improved survival (35 months) compared to patients with residual tumor cells (28 months), patients with tumors unresponsive to radiochemotherapy (22 months), or patients who received surgery only (control group, 29 months). Patients with nodal‐negative carcinomas showed significantly longer survival after surgery only and after neoadjuvant therapy compared to patients with lymph node‐positive cancers.

Conclusions:  Complete response after neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy is associated with significantly improved survival. Negative nodal status is a major determinant of outcomes following primary operation or neoadjuvant treatment.
A Report of Two Cases of Alveolar Soft‐part Sarcoma and Their Histological Variations
Authors: Ushijima Hirosi , Tamura Zyn
Published: January 2009

Two cases of alveolar soft‐part sarcoma are presented and commented on variations of their patterns and cellular types concerning the histogenesis.
ULCER OF THE UTERINE CERVIX IN THE JAPANESE FEMALE WITH REFERENCE TO THE HIGH MORTALITY FROM CERVICAL CANCER*
Authors: Imai Tamaki , Wada Takato
Published: January 2009

Sixty‐three uteri, extirpated for lesions other than uterine cancer, from Japanese females whose clinical records contained no histories of preoperative biopsy, and 66 uteri obtained from autopsies of Japanese females who died of various causes other than uterine diseases, were examined histologically.

In 57.1% of the surgical and 65.2% of the autopsy cases, there were fresh or chronic ulcers which occurred in the squamocolumnar junction of the cervix. The posterior and the anterior lips were among the predilection sites. The possibility of statistical correlation between cervical ulcer and cancer was speculated for the reason that the mortality from cervical cancer was fairly high in Japan, and that; in addition, there was a conformity between both lesions, with regard to the topographic distribution. Final conclusion was reserved for geographical‐pathologic studies to be carried out in the future, comparing the data among different populations, one with low and the other with high cervical cancer mortality. ACTA PATH. JAP. 18: 161–170, 1968.
AN AUTOPSY CASE OF RELAPSING POLYCHONDRITIS
Authors: Shinoda Yoshio , Kitamura Shiro , Okazaki Etsuo
Published: January 2009

The first autopsy case of relapsing polychondritis in Japan in a 25‐year‐ old woman was presented. The disease began first in the nasal septum, and gradually involved both external ears and the respiratory tract.

The pathological changes were exclusively confined to the cartilaginous tissues. The extent and severity of the lesions were apparently different from cartilage to cartilage. The changes consisted essentially of alterations and disappearance of cartilaginous tissues with acute chondritis and perichondritis accompanied by various inflammatory cell infiltrations. Leucocytic reactions in these lesions seemed to be more intensive than those in cases reported before. The initial change was supposed to be loss of basophilia in the matrix, later developing to chondrocyte alterations and marginal erosion of the cartilage. ACTA PATH. JAP. 18: 185–195, 1968.
EXAMINATION OF HUMAN DIAPHRAGMS FOR TRICHINOSIS IN HIROSHIMA AND NAGASAKI
Authors: Gould S.E. , Ozaki Hiroyuki , Kimura Kazuo
Published: January 2009

In view of the finding of Trichinella spira spiralis in three species of mammals born in Hokkaido, it is thought that the parasite may also infect other species of animals in Japan, including man. Although examination of human diaphragms in a small series of 149 autopsies in Hiroshima and 37 autopsies in Nagasaki (by digestion, compression, and microscopic sections) failed to reveal any instance of trichinous infection, it is that the existence or absence of human trichinosis in Japan can be determined only by examination covering a larger series of autopsies, and performed in various parts of the country. ACTA PATH. JAP.18: 245–247, 1968.
ENLARGEMENT OF HEMODIALYZED SPLEEN IN UREMIA—HISTOPATHOLOGICAL AND BIOMETRICAL STUDIES COMPARED WITH THE KIDNEY
Authors: Morohoshi Toshio
Published: January 2009

Thirty‐three cases of uremia receiving hemodialysis as a study group and 9 cases of chronic glomerulonephritis without hemodialysis as a control group were selected from 1415 autopsy cases at this department for histopathological examination. Crystal and calcareous deposits, arteriolar findings similar to malignant nephrosclerosis, so‐called ‘specific arterial changes’ and disappearance of compensatory tubular hypertrophy were predominantly observed in the hemodialyzed kidneys. Hemodialyzed spleen seemed to be enlarged independently from the term or number of hemodialysis program. Histological examination of the spleen showed marked atrophy of the white pulp and marked congestion with pulp hyperplasia of the red pulp without crystal and calcareous deposits or arteriolo‐arterial changes as those seen in the hemodialyzed kidneys. In the prolonged hemodialyzed cases the reconstruction of the red pulp with hyperplasia of the pulp and sinus was predominantly observed. Biometrical examination revealed enlargement of hemodialyzed spleen resembling the cardiac congestive spleen in regard to the findings of the red pulp. Enlargement of the hemodialyzed spleen is likely to be caused by pulp and sinus hyperplasia with the reconstruction of the red pulp following chronic systemic congestion accelerated by procedure of hernodialysis superimposed on chronic renal failure.