bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disk galaxies and their environment
Authors: Kautsch S.J. , Gallagher J.S. , Grebel E.K.
Published: November 2009

Environments of disk‐dominated galaxies and simple disk systems‐compared to systems with bulges‐provide a means to explore how environment relates to galaxy morphology. Our approach focuses on systems with edge‐on disks where disk‐to‐bulge ratios and disk flattening can be unambiguously determined and focuses on simple disks as evolutionary tracers. We study possible physical neighbors around the target disk galaxies and seek statistical relationships between local galaxy density and galaxy morphology. Galaxies consisting of simple stellar disks exist in environments ranging from the relatively the isolated field to moderate density galaxy groups. This distribution overlaps with that of systems with prominent bulges, although galaxies with large bulges are systematically rarer at low densities. The presence of simple disk galaxies in isolation and also in moderate density galaxy groups suggests that simple disks develop naturally in low density regions but have a limited ability to survive significant interactions with other galaxies. Simple disks thus are rare in denser galaxy systems where galaxy transformations are frequently driven by intense initial merging and later strong interactions (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Remote control laboratory via Internet using Matlab and Simulink
Authors: Puerto R. , Jiménez L.M. , Reinoso O.
Published: November 2009

This article describes the general architecture and application of a remote laboratory for teaching control theory based in Matlab/Simulink. The proposed system allows solving the time and spatial limitations of laboratories that rely on real physical systems used in control courses. In this way, control lab assignments with various physical processes present in the remote laboratories can be performed. Also, some examples that show the validity and applicability of the presented architecture are introduced. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 18: 694–702, 2010; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com; DOI 10.1002/cae.20274
Synthesis of Optically Active Amines Employing Recombinant ω‐Transaminases in E. coli Cells
Authors: Koszelewski Dominik , Göritzer Madeleine , Clay Dorina , Seisser Birgit , Kroutil Wolfgang
Published: November 2009

Various recombinant ω‐transaminases, overexpressed in E. coli cells and employed as whole‐cell catalysts, are tested for the synthesis of enantiomerically pure amines from the corresponding prochiral ketones. Optically pure (S)‐amines are obtained by formal reductive amination, consuming just ammonia and a cheap reducing agent (formate) with up to 99 % ee and 97 % yield. The other enantiomer was accessible by employing the same ω‐transaminases in a kinetic resolution starting from racemic amines. A ω‐transaminase derived from an Arthrobacter species displayed the highest stereoselectivity for all substrates tested, both for the kinetic resolution of rac‐amines and for the amination of ketones.
Parallel vector analysis based soft resolution of spectral data from pH‐metric titration using symmetry constraint
Authors: Kompany‐Zareh Mohsen , Gholami Somayeh
Published: November 2009

In this study, a soft method is proposed to calculate concentration and spectral profiles for the two‐way spectral data from dissociation equilibria of polyprotic acids (HnA). This method has four main distinct steps: (i) a fixed size moving window evolving factor analysis (FSMWEFA) was used to identify the local rank map, (ii) WFA was applied to calculate the concentration profiles of HnA and An− (selection of the window for application of WFA was performed using EFA), (iii) PVA was used to calculate Hn − 1A to HA spectral profiles, and (iv) a symmetry constraint, in addition to the non‐negativity constraint, was utilized to obtain the unique concentration and spectral profiles from different acceptable sets of profiles. In the absence of any selective region in the spectral data, the proposed soft method resulted in unique solution without rotational ambiguity. This study is the first application of symmetry constraint on concentration profiles. The rotational ambiguity drastically decreased on considering the constraint of symmetry of the Hn − 1A and HA concentration profiles, in addition to non‐negativity of profiles. Simulated examples were used to confirm these approaches. Effect of closeness of dissociation constants on the estimated values of constants was investigated. The results showed that when the difference between pKa values is more than 1.2, the obtained errors in the estimation of pKa values are less than about 6.5%. The considered real data were from pH‐metric titration of fluorescein. The obtained spectral and concentration profiles and the estimated pKa values for fluorescein were in good agreement with the previously reported data. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Where does the combination of sorafenib and interferon in renal cell carcinoma stand?
Authors: Flaherty Keith T.
Published: November 2009

Sorafenib can be combined safely with interferon, but the results of a recent randomized, phase 2 trial cast doubt on the value of further evaluating this combination. The renal cell carcinoma field continues to wrestle with the value of combining “targeted” therapies with cytokines.
Procalcitonin levels predict clinical course and progression‐free survival in patients with medullary thyroid cancer
Authors: Walter Martin A. , Meier Christian , Radimerski Tanja , Iten Fabienne , Kränzlin Marius , Müller‐Brand Jan , de Groot Jan Willem B. , Kema Ido P. , Links Thera P. , Müller Beat
Published: November 2009

BACKGROUND:

Procalcitonin has been well established as an important marker of sepsis and systemic infection. The authors evaluated the diagnostic and predictive value of calcitonin and its prohormone procalcitonin in medullary thyroid cancer.

METHODS:

The authors systematically explored the ability of calcitonin and procalcitonin to identify medullary thyroid cancer and predict the endpoints local recurrence and distant metastases, as well as the progression‐free survival. Patients with C‐cell hyperplasia; patients after thyroidectomy for differentiated thyroid cancer, goiter, or Graves disease; and healthy subjects served as controls. The study was performed in accordance with the Reporting Recommendations for Tumor Marker Prognostic Studies of the National Cancer Institute.

RESULTS:

Sixty‐nine medullary thyroid cancer patients and 96 controls were included (median observed interval: 10.9 years [range, 1.4‐47.5 years]; 981.8 patient‐years). The 1‐year, 5‐year, 10‐year, and 20‐year recurrence rates were 9%, 34%, 45%, and 56%, respectively. Calcitonin had a higher diagnostic accuracy for detecting medullary thyroid cancer than procalcitonin (area under the curve [AUC], 0.94; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.90‐0.99 vs AUC, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.83‐0.95 [P = .038]). The procalcitonin:calcitonin ratio predicted disease progression (AUC, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.51‐0.75 [P = .036]) and progression‐free survival (hazards ratio, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.09‐2.04 [P = .013]).

CONCLUSIONS:

The results of the current study indicate a superior diagnostic accuracy of calcitonin and an independent predictive value of the procalcitonin:calcitonin ratio. These findings may lead to improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for medullary thyroid cancer patients. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Global regularity and convergence of a Birkhoff‐Rott‐α approximation of the dynamics of vortex sheets of the two‐dimensional Euler equations
Authors: Bardos Claude , Titi Edriss S. , Linshiz Jasmine S.
Published: November 2009

We present an α‐regularization of the Birkhoff‐Rott equation (BR‐α equation), induced by the two‐dimensional Euler‐α equations, for the vortex sheet dynamics. We show the convergence of the solutions of Euler‐α equations to a weak solution of the Euler equations for initial vorticity being a finite Radon measure of fixed sign, which includes the vortex sheets case. We also show that, provided the initial density of vorticity is an integrable function over the curve with respect to the arc length measure, (i) an initially Lipschitz chord arc vortex sheet (curve), evolving under the BR‐α equation, remains Lipschitz for all times, (ii) an initially HölderC1, β, 0 ≤ β < 1, chord arc curve remains inC1, βfor all times, and finally, (iii) an initially HölderCn, β,n≥ 1, 0 < β < 1, closed chord arc curve remains so for all times. In all these cases the weak Euler‐α and the BR‐α descriptions of the vortex sheet motion are equivalent. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pathwise accuracy and ergodicity of metropolized integrators for SDEs
Authors: Bou‐Rabee Nawaf , Vanden‐Eijnden Eric
Published: November 2009

Metropolized integrators for ergodic stochastic differential equations (SDEs) are proposed that (1) are ergodic with respect to the (known) equilibrium distribution of the SDEs and (2) approximate pathwise the solutions of the SDEs on finite‐time intervals. Both these properties are demonstrated in the paper, and precise strong error estimates are obtained. It is also shown that the Metropolized integrator retains these properties even in situations where the drift in the SDE is nonglobally Lipschitz, and vanilla explicit integrators for SDEs typically become unstable and fail to be ergodic. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Complex‐valued analytic torsion for flat bundles and for holomorphic bundles with (1,1) connections
Authors: Cappell Sylvain E. , Miller Edward Y.
Published: November 2009

The work of Ray and Singer that introduced analytic torsion, a kind of determinant of the Laplacian operator in topological and holomorphic settings, is naturally generalized in both settings. The couplings are extended in a direct way in the topological setting to general flat bundles and in the holomorphic setting to bundles with (1,1) connections, which, by using the Newlander‐Nirenberg theorem, are seen to be the bundles with both holomorphic and antiholomorphic structures. The resulting natural generalizations of Laplacians are not always self‐adjoint, and the corresponding generalizations of analytic torsions are thus not always real‐valued. The Cheeger‐Müller theorem on equivalence in a topological setting of analytic torsion to classical topological torsion generalizes to this complex‐valued torsion. On the algebraic side the methods introduced include a notion of torsion associated to a complex equipped with both boundary and coboundary maps. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Collagen type IV and Perlecan exhibit dynamic localization in the Allantoic Core Domain, a putative stem cell niche in the murine allantois
Authors: Mikedis Maria M. , Downs Karen M.
Published: November 2009

A body of evidence suggests that the murine allantois contains a stem cell niche, the Allantoic Core Domain (ACD), that may contribute to a variety of allantoic and embryonic cell types. Given that extracellular matrix (ECM) regulates cell fate and function in niches, the allantois was systematically examined for Collagen type IV (ColIV) and Perlecan, both of which are associated with stem cell proliferation and differentiation. Not only was localization of ColIV and Perlecan more widespread during gastrulation than previously reported, but protein localization profiles were particularly robust and dynamic within the allantois and associated visceral endoderm as the ACD formed and matured. We propose that these data provide further evidence that the ACD is a stem cell niche whose activity is synchronized with associated visceral endoderm, possibly via ECM proteins. Developmental Dynamics 238:3193–3204, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Platinum(II)‐Promoted [2+3] Cycloaddition of Azide with 4‐Cyanobenzaldehyde, a Schiff Base Derivative or Dicyanobenzenes To Give Formyl‐, Amino(imino)‐ or Cyano‐Functionalized Tetrazolato Complexes
Authors: Lasri Jamal , Guedes da Silva M. Fátima C. , Kopylovich Maximilian N. , Ghosh Mukhopadhyay Bhaswati , Pombeiro Armando J. L.
Published: November 2009

The [2+3] cycloaddition reaction (which is greatly accelerated by microwave irradiation) of the bis(azido)platinum(II) compound cis‐[Pt(N3)2(PPh3)2] (1) with 4‐cyanobenzaldehyde (2) furnishes the N2N2‐bonded isomer of bis[5‐(4‐formylphenyl)tetrazol‐2‐ate] platinum(II) trans‐[Pt{N4CC6H4(4‐CH=O)}2(PPh3)2] (3a) as the major product, along with the N1N2‐bonded isomer 3b. Treatment of 3a with 2‐dimethylaminoethylamine (4), in refluxing methanol, gives the corresponding N2N2‐bonded bis[(E)‐5‐(4‐{[2‐(dimethylamino)ethylimino]methyl}phenyl)tetrazol‐2‐ate] platinum(II) complex trans‐[Pt{N4CC6H4(4‐CH=NCH2CH2NMe2)}2(PPh3)2] (6) in good yield. An alternative route involves the reaction of 4‐cyanobenzaldehyde (2) with diamine 4 to give the E isomer of 4‐{[2‐(dimethylamino)ethylimino]methyl}benzonitrile N≡CC6H4(4‐CH=NCH2CH2NMe2) (5), followed by the reaction of the latter with bis(azido)platinum(II) complex 1 to afford 6 in similar yield. The reaction of 6 with MCl2 (M = Pd, Ni, Zn, Cu), at room temperature for 3 h regenerates complex 3a as a result of the Schiff base hydrolysis, along with the diamine complex [MCl2(NH2CH2CH2NMe2)] (7). Treatment of 6 with ZnCl2 for 36 h affords a mixture of 3a with its substitution products [Pt{HN4CC6H4(4‐CH=O)}(NH2CH2CH2NMe2)(PPh3)]Cl2 (9; isolated in the tetrazole form) and cis‐[PtCl2(PPh3)2] (10) and diamine complex 7 (M = Zn). The [2+3] cycloaddition reactions of cis‐[Pt(N3)2(PPh3)2] (1) with unsubstituted dicyanobenzenes 11 [1,2‐C6H4(CN)2 (11a), 1,3‐C6H4(CN)2 (11b), 1,4‐C6H4(CN)2 (11c)] occur regioselectively and give the corresponding N2N2‐bonded bis[5‐(cyanophenyl)tetrazol‐2‐ate] trans‐[Pt(N4CC6H4R)2(PPh3)2] complexes 12 (R = 2‐CN 12a, 3‐CN 12b, 4‐CN 12c). The isolated compounds were characterized by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and 31P{1H} NMR (metal complexes) spectroscopy, elemental analyses, ESI‐MS and X‐ray structural analyses (for 3a, 5·HCl, 7, 9 and 12a). (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Catalyzed Propargylic Substitution
Authors: Detz Remko J. , Hiemstra Henk , van Maarseveen Jan H.
Published: November 2009

Besides being a versatile entity for further chemical transformations, the propargylic subunit is also part of various natural products, fine chemicals, and synthetic pharmaceuticals. Propargylic substitution reactions, however, are rather unexplored. An overview of this emerging field is presented. We especially focus on experimental results that deal with catalyzed substitutions of propargylic alcohols and their derivatives. Finally, some enantioselective propargylic substitution methods are discussed.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Increased production of extracellular polysaccharide byPorphyridium cruentumimmobilized in foam sheets
Authors: Gasljevic Kazimir , Hall Kimbal A. , Oakes Stephanie , Chapman David J. , Matthys Eric F.
Published: November 2009

Large‐size plate bioreactors were used to compare the production of extracellular polysaccharide by the red microalgaPorphyridium cruentumwhen grown in suspension and in a foam sheet. A well‐defined illuminated area and unidirectional light propagation allowed us to generate information that is better quantified when expressed in terms of illuminated area. This is essential for meaningful comparison of data, especially considering that for a well‐designed and managed bioreactor, the culture production rates are believed to be light limited. At the same level of illumination, the culture immobilized in foam showed double the production rate of extracellular polysaccharide compared with the culture in suspension. The saturation level of biomass densityperunit of illuminated area was eight times higher for the immobilized culture compared with the culture in suspension. Despite the increased biomass density for the immobilized culture, an increase in the light level above the optimum found for the culture in suspension reduced the extracellular polysaccharide production, suggesting that the photoinhibition light level was surpassed.
Rapid immuno‐monitoring of inoculant plant growth‐promoting microorganisms
Authors: Kecskés Mihály L. , Rose Michael T. , Michel Erwin , Lauby Benôit , Rakotondrainibe Malala , Casteriano Andrea , Palágyi Attila , Moutouvirin Anaëlle , Elter Sébastien , Guillas Romain , Krishnen Ganisan , Kennedy Ivan R.
Published: November 2009

Rapid, specific techniques are essential to monitor the quality of inoculant plant growth‐promoting strains at all stages of manufacture from starter culture to the final product in its carrier medium. In this study, colony immunoblotting was evaluated for the specific detection and enumeration of Citrobacter freundii, one component of a Vietnamese commercial inoculant plant growth‐promoting product used to improve the yield and nutrient efficiency of paddy rice. For quality control of either sterilised or unsterilised carrier media in commercial products colony immunoblotting proved to be a promising tool. Furthermore, it was possible using this technique to measure the survival of this strain in soil and the rhizosphere.
Column restraint in post‐tensioned self‐centering moment frames
Authors: Chou Chung‐Che , Chen Jun‐Hen
Published: November 2009

Gaps between beam‐to‐column interfaces in a post‐tensioned (PT) self‐centering frame with more than one column are constrained by columns, which causes beam compression force different from the applied PT force. This study proposes an analytical method for evaluating column bending stiffness and beam compression force by modeling column deformation according to gap‐openings at all stories. The predicted compression forces in the beams are validated by a cyclic analysis of a three‐story PT frame and by cyclic tests of a full‐scale, two‐bay by first‐story PT frame, which represents a substructure of the three‐story PT frame. The proposed method shows that compared with the strand tensile force, the beam compression force is increased at the 1st story but is decreased at the 2nd and 3rd stories due to column deformation compatibility. The PT frame tests show that the proposed method reasonably predicts beam compression force and strand force and that the beam compression force is 2 and 60% larger than the strand force with respect to a minor restraint and a pin‐supported boundary condition, respectively, at the tops of the columns. Therefore, the earlier method using a pin‐supported boundary condition at upper story columns represents an upper bound of the effect and is shown to be overly conservative for cases where a structure responds primarily in its first mode. The proposed method allows for more accurate prediction of the column restraint effects for structures that respond in a pre‐determined mode shape which is more typical of low and mid‐rise structures. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Children's ability to distinguish between enjoyment and non‐enjoyment smiles
Authors: Gosselin Pierre , Perron Mélanie , Maassarani Reem
Published: November 2009

Children's ability to distinguish between enjoyment and non‐enjoyment smiles was investigated by presenting participants with short video excerpts of smiles. Enjoyment smiles differed from non‐enjoyment smiles by greater symmetry and by appearance changes produced in the eye region by the Cheek Raiser action. The results indicate that 6‐ and 7‐year‐old children have the abilities to detect these differences and are able to interpret them with above chance‐level accuracy. Sensitivity was higher for the symmetry of the smiles than for the appearance changes produced in the eye region and improved in later childhood. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microalgal biomass as a fermentation feedstock for bioethanol production
Authors: Harun Razif , Danquah Michael K. , Forde Gareth M.
Published: November 2009

BACKGROUND: The increasing cost of fossil fuels as well as the escalating social and industrial awareness of the environmental impacts associated with the use of fossil fuels has created the need for more sustainable fuel options. Bioethanol, produced from renewable biomass such as sugar and starch materials, is believed to be one of these options, and it is currently being harnessed extensively. However, the utilization of sugar and starch materials as feedstocks for bioethanol production creates a major competition with the food market in terms of land for cultivation, and this makes bioethanol from these sources economically less attractive.

RESULT: This study explores the suitability of microalgae (Chlorococum sp.) as a substrate for bioethanol production via yeast (Saccharomyces bayanus) under different fermentation conditions. Results show a maximum ethanol concentration of 3.83 g L−1 obtained from 10 g L−1 of lipid‐extracted microalgae debris.

CONCLUSION: This productivity level (∼38% w/w), which is in keeping with that of current production systems endorses microalgae as a promising substrate for bioethanol production. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Enhancing completely autotrophic nitrogen removal over nitrite by trace NO2 addition to an AUSB reactor
Authors: Zhang Daijun , Cai Qing , Cong Liying
Published: November 2009

BACKGROUND: Completely autotrophic nitrogen removal over nitrite (CANON) could decrease energy consumption and CO2 release compared with conventional nitration–denitrification. Trace NO2 addition could enhance the activities of aerobic and anaerobic ammonium oxidation.

RESULTS: An aerated upflow sludge bed (AUSB) reactor inoculated simultaneously with aerobic and anaerobic ammonium oxidizing sludge was operated to cultivate granular sludge capable of carrying out CANON. The results showed that the efficiency and rate of total nitrogen (TN) removal reached 61% and 0.114 kgN, respectively (m−3 day−1) for DO = 0.5–0.6 mg L−1. Batch tests indicated that trace NO2 addition could increase the CANON activity of sludge. The TN removal rate and efficiency of the reactor was increased to 0.234 kgN m−3 day−1 and 63%, respectively, when the reactor was aerated with air containing 2.7–3.3 mmol m−3 NO2 and DO was at 0.5–0.8 mg L−1.

CONCLUSIONS: Trace NO2 addition provides an alternative to increase the capacity of a CANON system at low DO concentration. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Separation of p‐xylene from ternary xylene mixture using silicalite‐1 membrane: process optimization studies
Authors: Yeong Yin Fong , Abdullah Ahmad Zuhairi , Ahmad Abdul Latif , Bhatia Subhash
Published: November 2009

BACKGROUND: The design of experiments (DoE) is applied to the process optimization of p‐xylene (pX) separation from its isomers m‐xylene (mX) and o‐xylene (oX) mixture using silicalite‐1 membrane supported on α‐alumina. A central composite design (CCD) coupled with response surface methodology (RSM) was used to correlate the effect of two separation process variables, temperature (150–250 °C) and pX feed partial pressure (0.10–0.26 kPa) to three responses: (i) pX flux; (ii) pX/oX separation factor; and (iii) pX/mX separation factor. The significant factors affecting each response were elucidated from the analysis of variance (ANOVA). The interaction between two variables was investigated systematically based on three‐dimensional response surface plots.

RESULTS: The optimization criteria were used to maximize the value of pX flux, pX/mX separation factor and pX/oX separation factor. The optimum pX flux of 5.94 × 10−6 mol m−2 s−1, pX/oX separation factor of 19 and pX/mX separation factor of 20 were obtained at a temperature of 198 °C and pX feed partial pressure of 0.22 kPa.

CONCLUSIONS: The experimental results were in good agreement with the simulated values obtained from the proposed models, with an average error of ± 2.90%. In comparison with the conventional approach, DoE provides better flexibility of the process studies and a useful guideline for the membrane process operation for pX separation. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
The efficiency of nuclear plasmid DNA delivery is a critical determinant of transgene expression at the single cell level
Authors: Glover Dominic J. , Leyton Denisse L. , Moseley Gregory W. , Jans David A.
Published: November 2009

Background

The nuclear envelope that encloses the nucleus is a significant barrier to non‐viral vectors and shrouds the relationship between the trafficking of plasmid DNA to the nucleus and expression of an encoded transgene. Here, we use a novel single cell approach to quantify nuclear import of plasmid DNA following non‐viral transfection and correlate this with reporter gene expression.

Methods

Through the fractionation of intact nuclei from HeLa cells, the intranuclear copy number of plasmid DNA was quantified after transfection with either polyethylenimine (PEI) or LipofectAMINE2000 (LFA). Importantly, the use of a reporter protein that is incorporated into chromatin and retained in isolated nuclei permits analysis of gene expression by flow cytometry to be compared with nuclear plasmid delivery.

Results

PEI was found to mediate a greater and more rapid nuclear accumulation of plasmid DNA compared to LFA, but reporter gene expression was shown to be higher for LFA than PEI when an equivalent number of plasmids were in the nucleus. Sorting of the extracted nuclei according to the level of reporter expression demonstrated that reporter expression was dependent upon the number of plasmids delivered into the nucleus, with both threshold and saturation in expression evident with few or many nuclear plasmids.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate formally that although the efficiency of plasmid nuclear delivery is a critical determinant of the level of transgene expression, intranuclear events also influence the transcriptional activity of the transgene, and must be taken into consideration when attempting to maximize the efficiency of non‐viral vectors. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of 2‐amino‐4‐hydroxyl‐6‐hydroxymethyl‐5,6,7,8‐tetrahydropyrido[3,2‐d]pyrimidine from 2‐amino‐4‐hydroxyl‐6‐methylpyrimidine
Authors: Zhang Zhili , Liu Jie , Liu Weidong , Wang Xiaowei , Cheng Zhijian , Liu Junyi
Published: November 2009

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The synthesis of 2‐amino‐4‐hydroxyl‐6‐hydroxymethyl‐5,6,7,8‐tetrahydropyrido[3,2‐d]pyrimidine 3 is described from 2‐amino‐6‐methyluracil 4 through the crucial step of 2‐pivaloyl protecting and cyclization. The assignment of the structure of 3 was performed by its spectral data, the 1H NMR, 13C NMR, gHMQC, and HRMS spectra. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2009).
Effect of gradual weight‐bearing on regenerated articular cartilage after joint distraction and motion in a rabbit model
Authors: Nishino Tomofumi , Ishii Tomoo , Chang Fei , Yanai Takaji , Watanabe Arata , Ogawa Takeshi , Mishima Hajime , Nakai Kenjiro , Ochiai Naoyuki
Published: November 2009

The purpose of this study was to clarify the effect of gradual weight bearing (GWB) on regenerating cartilage. We developed a novel external fixation device (EFD) with a controllable weight‐bearing system and continuous passive motion (CPM). A full‐thickness defect was created by resection of the entire articular surface of the tibial plateau after the EFD was fixed in the rabbit's left knee. In the GWB group (n = 6), GWB was started 6 weeks after surgery. In the CPM group (n = 6), CPM with EFD was applied in the same manner without GWB. The control group (n = 5) received only joint distraction. All rabbits were sacrificed 9 weeks after surgery. The central one‐third of the regenerated tissue was assessed and scored blindly using a grading scale modified from the International Cartilage Repair Society visual histological assessment scale. The areas stained by Safranin‐O and type II collagen antibody were measured, and the percentage of each area was calculated. There was no significant difference in the histological assessment scale among the groups. The percentage of the type II collagen‐positive area was significantly larger in the GWB group than in the CPM group. The present study suggests that optimal mechanical stress, such as GWB, may affect regeneration of cartilage, in vivo. © 2009 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 28:600–606, 2010
In situ Raman and optical microscopy of the relaxation behavior of amorphous ices under pressure
Authors: Yoshimura Yukihiro , Mao Ho‐kwang , Hemley Russell J.
Published: November 2009

The transformation of low‐density amorphous (LDA) ice produced from high‐density amorphous (HDA) ice was studied up to 400 MPa as a function of temperature by in situ Raman spectroscopy and optical microscopy. Changes in these amorphous states of H2O were directly tracked without using emulsions to just above the crystallization temperature Tx. The spectra show significant changes occurring above ∼125 K. The results are compared with data reported for the relaxation behavior of HDA, to form what we call relaxed HDA, or rHDA. We find a close connection with expanded HDA (eHDA), which is reported to exist as another metastable form in this P–T region. The observation of this temperature‐induced LDA transition under pressure complements the previously observed pressure‐induced reversible transition between LDA and HDA at 120–140 K. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phytochemical characteristics and hypoglycaemic activity of fraction from mushroom Inonotus obliquus
Authors: Lu Xueming , Chen Haixia , Dong Peng , Fu Lingling , Zhang Xin
Published: November 2009

BACKGROUND: Inonotus obliquus is a medicinal mushroom that has been used as an effective agent to treat various diseases such as diabetes, tuberculosis and cancer. In order to elucidate the active fraction and its constituents, the effects of ethyl acetate fraction from I. obliquus (EAFI) on hyperglycaemia were investigated and the main constituents of EAFI were isolated and identified.

RESULTS: EAFI treatment led to a significant decrease in blood glucose level (P < 0.05) in alloxan‐induced diabetic mice. It significantly decreased the total cholesterol level in serum, increased glutathione peroxidase activity and improved the growth physiological characteristics. In addition, EAFI treatment decreased the levels of triglyceride and malondialdehyde and increased the high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol level in serum and the hepatic glycogen level in liver of diabetic mice. Five compounds were isolated from EAFI and identified as lanosterol (1), 3β‐hydroxy‐lanosta‐8,24‐diene‐21‐al (2), inotodiol (3), ergosterol peroxide (4) and trametenolic acid (5) by spectral methods. Inotodiol and trametenolic acid were found to have an inhibitory effect on α‐amylase activity and a scavenging effect on 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl radicals.

CONCLUSION: EAFI showed significant antihyperglycaemic and antilipidperoxidative effects in alloxan‐induced diabetic mice. Terpenoid and sterol compounds appeared to be the major active constituents of I. obliquus. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
A Facile Strategy for the Modification of Polyethylene Substrates with Non‐Fouling, Bioactive Poly(poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate) Brushes
Authors: Lavanant Laurent , Pullin Brian , Hubbell Jeffrey A. , Klok Harm‐Anton
Published: November 2009

This manuscript reports a facile strategy for the modification of polyethylene, a widely used biomaterial, with a thin non‐biofouling coating that can act as a platform to introduce biochemical cues to control and direct, e.g., cell adhesion and proliferation. The non‐biofouling coating is produced, following a two‐step strategy involving photobromination of the polyethylene substrate followed by surface‐initiated ATRP of poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate. The resulting coatings, which are referred to as polymer brushes, are robust and withstand prolonged exposure to aqueous ethanol and phosphate buffered saline and also do not show any signs of detachment or degradation in the in vivo studies over a period of 10 d. Functionalization of these polymer brush coatings with extracellular matrix derived peptide sequences, promotes adhesion and spreading of endothelial cells.

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A Novel Concept for Highly Oriented Carbon Nanotube Composite Tapes or Fibres with High Strength and Electrical Conductivity
Authors: Deng Hua , Zhang Rui , Reynolds Christopher T. , Bilotti Emiliano , Peijs Ton
Published: November 2009

A new concept is described for the creation of multifunctional polymer nanocomposite tapes (or fibres) that combines high stiffness and strength with good electrical properties and a low percolation threshold of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The concept is based on a bicomponent tape (or fibre) construction consisting of a highly oriented polymer core and a conductive polymer composite (CPC) skin based on a polymer with a lower melting temperature than the core, enabling thermal annealing of these skins to improve conductivity through a dynamic percolation process while retaining the properties of the core and hence those of the tape (or fibre). The percolation threshold in the CPC skins of the highly drawn conductive bicomponent tapes could be decreased from 5.3 to 1.1 wt.‐% after annealing.

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Extrusion Processing and Properties of Protein‐Based Thermoplastics
Authors: Verbeek Casparus J. R. , van den Berg Lisa E.
Published: November 2009

Increasing interest in competitive, sustainable, and biodegradable alternatives to petroleum‐based plastics has encouraged the developmentof protein‐based plastics. The formation of a homogeneous protein melt during extrusion occurs through: denaturation, dissociation, unraveling, and alignment of polymer chains. The presence of covalent cross‐links is unfavorable, decreasing chain mobility, increasing viscosity and preventing homogenization. Proteins have high softening temperatures, often above their decomposition temperatures. To avoid degradation, the required chain mobility is achieved by plasticizers. By understanding a protein's physiochemical nature, additives can be selected that lead to a bioplastic with good processability. The final structural and functional properties are highly dependent on the protein and processing conditions.

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Controlled band dispersion for quantitative binding determination and analysis with electrospray ionization‐mass spectrometry
Authors: Schug Kevin A. , Serrano Carlos , Fryčák Petr
Published: November 2009

This review discusses recent emerging techniques that have been used to couple flow‐injection analysis (FIA) and electrospray ionization‐mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) for the quantitation of noncovalent binding interactions. Focus is placed predominantly on two such methods. Diffusion‐based measurements, developed by Konermann and co‐workers, uses controlled‐band dispersion prior to ESI‐MS to determine diffusion constants and binding constants based on the temporal variation of ligand signal measured in the mass spectrum (an indirect technique). Dynamic titration, developed by Schug and co‐workers, is a direct method, where a temporal compositional gradient of a guest molecule is induced in the presence of host in solution to monitor the concentration dependence of complex formation as a function of observed complex ion abundance after ESI‐MS. Further discussion places these techniques in the context of a variety of other direct and indirect ESI‐MS‐based binding determination methods, and highlights advantages, disadvantages, and practical considerations for their proper use to investigate a broad range of macromolecular and small‐molecule interaction systems. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., Mass Spec Rev 29:806–829, 2010
Olfactory dysfunction in Parkinsonism caused by PINK1 mutations
Authors: Ferraris Alessandro , Ialongo Tamara , Passali Giulio Cesare , Pellecchia Maria Teresa , Brusa Livia , Laruffa Marianna , Guidubaldi Arianna , Paludetti Gaetano , Albanese Alberto , Barone Paolo , Dallapiccola Bruno , Valente Enza Maria , Bentivoglio Anna Rita
Published: November 2009

Hyposmia is a common nonmotor feature of Parkinson's disease (PD) and has been variably detected in monogenic Parkinsonisms. To assess olfactory dysfunction in PINK1‐related Parkinsonism, we evaluated olfactory detection threshold, odor discrimination, and odor identification in five groups of subjects: sporadic PD (n = 19), PINK1 homozygous (n = 7), and heterozygous (n = 6) parkinsonian patients, asymptomatic PINK1 heterozygous carriers (n = 12), and Italian healthy subjects (n = 67). All affected subjects and all healthy heterozygotes but one resulted hyposmic, with most patients in the range of functional anosmia or severe hyposmia. Detection threshold was more preserved and discrimination more impaired in patients with PINK1 mutations than in PD cases. Alterations of detection and discrimination were observed also in PINK1 asymptomatic heterozygotes. On the contrary, odor identification appeared to be mostly related to the disease status, as it was impaired in nearly all patients (including PD and PINK1 cases) and preserved in healthy heterozygotes. Our data indicate that olfactory dysfunction is common in PINK1 Parkinsonism and consists typically in defective odor identification and discrimination. A milder olfactory deficit, mostly involving discrimination, can be found in asymptomatic heterozygotes, possibly indicating an underlying preclinical neurodegenerative process. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society
No brain structure abnormalities in boys with Tourette's syndrome: A voxel‐based morphometry study
Authors: Roessner Veit , Overlack Sebastian , Baudewig Juergen , Dechent Peter , Rothenberger Aribert , Helms Gunther
Published: November 2009

Morphometric findings in Tourette's syndrome (TS) are still inconsistent probably due to differences in analysis approaches as well as several confounders (coexisting psychiatric conditions, medication status, etc.). Our aim was to identify possible morphometric changes in a well‐defined sample of drug‐naïve boys with “pure” TS. High‐resolution structural magnetic resonance images of 38 boys with TS were compared with those of 38 healthy boys matched for age and IQ using voxel‐based morphometry (VBM). Coexisting psychiatric conditions and previous medication were excluded. The inclusion of 10‐ to 15‐year‐old boys minimized the well known compensatory changes due to tic suppression over many years. VBM analyses revealed no differences between the treatment naïve boys with “pure” TS and healthy controls. Brain morphology is not altered in boys with “pure” TS. Further studies should reveal whether previous findings might be ascribed to confounding factors like coexisting psychiatric conditions or long‐term compensatory mechanisms due to voluntary tic suppression. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society
The reaction of spiro[indoline‐naphthopyrans] with nitrogen oxides. Not a case of biradical double trapping
Authors: Alberti Angelo , Astolfi Paola , Campredon Mylène , Greci Lucedio , Guerra Maurizio , Macciantelli Dante , Plescia Elena
Published: November 2009

The reactions of six differently substituted photochromic spiro[indoline‐naphtopyrans] with ·NO or ·NO2 under normal daylight conditions have been investigated by means of EPR spectroscopy along with those of three structurally related spiro[indoline‐benzopyrans]. The spectra due to cyclic oxynitroxides originating from double trapping of biradicals by ·NO were observed with the three latter derivatives, this finding being in agreement with previous results. Similar signals were also observed with the six former compounds, but in this case they were responsible for just a minor component of the spectra, the main spectral signals being due to hitherto unreported paramagnetic species that on the basis of their spectral parameters are identified as iminoxy radicals. DFT calculations at the B3LYP/6‐31G* level carried out on a variety of radicals support this assignment. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Convergence of the multipoint flux approximation L‐method for homogeneous media on uniform grids
Authors: Cao Yufei , Helmig Rainer , Wohlmuth Barbara I.
Published: November 2009

In this article, we show the convergence of the multipoint flux approximation (MPFA) L‐method. To do so, we introduce a boundary modification of the original MPFA L‐method. On basis of this local modification, we obtain the equivalence between the MPFA L‐method and a conforming finite element approach with modified right hand side. The influence of the modified right hand side can be easily analyzed within the abstract framework of variational crimes. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2011
The Hofmeister effect on amyloid formation using yeast prion protein
Authors: Yeh Victor , Broering James M. , Romanyuk Andrey , Chen Buxin , Chernoff Yury O. , Bommarius Andreas S.
Published: November 2009

A variety of proteins are capable of converting from their soluble forms into highly ordered fibrous cross‐β aggregates (amyloids). This conversion is associated with certain pathological conditions in mammals, such as Alzheimer disease, and provides a basis for the infectious or hereditary protein isoforms (prions), causing neurodegenerative disorders in mammals and controlling heritable phenotypes in yeast. The N‐proximal region of the yeast prion protein Sup35 (Sup35NM) is frequently used as a model system for amyloid conversion studies in vitro. Traditionally, amyloids are recognized by their ability to bind Congo Red dye specific to β‐sheet rich structures. However, methods for quantifying amyloid fibril formation thus far were based on measurements linking Congo Red absorbance to concentration of insulin fibrils and may not be directly applicable to other amyloid‐forming proteins. Here, we present a corrected formula for measuring amyloid formation of Sup35NM by Congo Red assay. By utilizing this corrected procedure, we explore the effect of different sodium salts on the lag time and maximum rate of amyloid formation by Sup35NM. We find that increased kosmotropicity promotes amyloid polymerization in accordance with the Hofmeister series. In contrast, chaotropes inhibit polymerization, with the strength of inhibition correlating with the B‐viscosity coefficient of the Jones‐Dole equation, an increasingly accepted measure for the quantification of the Hofmeister series.
What can pest management learn from laboratory animal ethics?
Authors: Yeates James
Published: November 2009

There remains a lack of a clear overarching policy framework for decision‐making in pest control programmes. In comparison, ethical principles have been extensively developed for scientific procedures, such as those underlying the UK's Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. This paper assesses the extent to which the principles and methodology underlying the act and secondary guidance could be used to provide principles of rodent management. Useful principles include that any programme has a legitimate purpose; that methods are used only if the harms are outweighed by the benefits; that harms are minimised by refinement, replacement and reduction and that there is personal responsibility. The usefulness and implications for pest control of each principle and the overall approach are discussed. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of the essential oil constituent thymol and other neuroactive chemicals on flight motor activity and wing beat frequency in the blowfly Phaenicia sericata
Authors: Waliwitiya Ranil , Belton Peter , Nicholson Russell A , Lowenberger Carl A
Published: November 2009

BACKGROUND: The effects were evaluated of the plant terpenoid thymol and eight other neuroactive compounds on flight muscle impulses (FMIs) and wing beat frequency (WBF) of tethered blowflies (Phaenicia sericata Meig.).

RESULTS: The electrical activity of the dorsolongitudinal flight muscles was closely linked to the WBF of control insects. Topically applied thymol inhibited WBF within 15–30 min and reduced FMI frequency. Octopamine and chlordimeform caused a similar, early‐onset bursting pattern that decreased in amplitude with time. Desmethylchlordimeform blocked wing beating within 60 min and generated a profile of continuous but lower‐frequency FMIs. Fipronil suppressed wing beating and induced a pattern of continuous, variable‐frequency spiking that diminished gradually over 6 h. Cypermethrin‐ and rotenone‐treated flies had initial strong FMIs that declined with time. In flies injected with GABA, the FMIs were generally unidirectional and frequency was reduced, as was seen with thymol.

CONCLUSIONS: Thymol readily penetrates the cuticle and interferes with flight muscle and central nervous function in the blowfly. The similarity of the action of thymol and GABA suggests that this terpenoid acts centrally in blowflies by mimicking or facilitating GABA action. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
An information management paradigm for statistical experiments
Authors: Goh T. N.
Published: November 2009

Optimization of engineering processes and products via statistical design of experiments is an approach well known to statisticians but still not popularly used by technical personnel. This paper sets out a pattern of reasoning that would facilitate the appreciation, on the part of non‐mathematicians, of the principles and advantages of using statistical experimental design for process and product modeling and optimization. Use is made of the concepts of information transformation and conservation in a language that is familiar to those of purely technical background, leading to better understanding, acceptance and application of the efficiency and effectiveness of statistical experiments. In today's environment of the prevalence of software and hardware for statistical analysis, engineers concerned with quality and reliability would particularly benefit from such a paradigm for process and product performance improvement. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chromatinisation of herpesvirus genomes
Authors: Paulus Christina , Nitzsche Alexandra , Nevels Michael
Published: November 2009

The double‐stranded DNA genomes of herpesviruses exist in at least three alternative global chromatin states characterised by distinct nucleosome content. When encapsidated in virus particles, the viral DNA is devoid of any nucleosomes. In contrast, within latently infected nuclei herpesvirus genomes are believed to form regular nucleosomal structures resembling cellular chromatin. Finally, during productive infection nuclear viral DNA appears to adopt a state of intermediate chromatin formation with irregularly spaced nucleosomes. Nucleosome occupancy coupled with posttranslational histone modifications and other epigenetic marks may contribute significantly to the extent and timing of transcription from the viral genome and, consequently, to the outcome of infection. Recent research has provided first insights into the viral and cellular mechanisms that either maintain individual herpesvirus chromatin states or mediate transition between them. Here, we summarise and discuss both early work and new developments pointing towards common principles pertinent to the dynamic structure and epigenetic regulation of herpesvirus chromatin. Special emphasis is given to the emerging similarities in nucleosome assembly and disassembly processes on herpes simplex virus type 1 and human cytomegalovirus genomes over the course of the viral productive replication cycle and during the switch between latent and lytic infectious stages. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.