bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of inorganic borates on the burning of PVC
Authors: Cowan J. , Manley T. R.
Published: March 2007

The flammability of flexible poly(vinyl chloride) sheet containing barium, calcium and zinc borates, alone and in combination with antimony oxide, was measured by BS2782‐508C and ASTM D2863. A statistical comparison of these tests was made. Barium and calcium borates, with or without antimony oxide, had little or no effect on flame retardancy, but zinc had a synergistic effect with antimony oxide.

The value of these inorganic borates in reducing smoke is compared using the Stanton Redcroft F.T.B. Unit, an attachment of the manufacturer's Critical Oxygen Index (C.O.I.) test. This test consists of passing the smoke from the C.O.I, test directly into a chamber where the maximum smoke density is measured using a light source and photocell assembly. Formulations containing zinc borate and antimony oxide gave the least smoke.

The advantages of zinc borate in flame retardant poly(vinyl chloride) were found to be offset by inferior mechanical and electrical properties and heat stability, unless small amounts of epoxidised oil were added. The degree of hydration of the zinc borate was not critical.
Studies of heterocyclic polymers. V. poly (1, 3′‐benzobis (iminopyrrolenones))
Authors: Hodd Kenneth A. , Hussein Mohammed
Published: March 2007

The synthesis of dimethyl‐2, 5‐dicyanoterephthalate from 2,5‐dibromo‐p‐xylene and its conversion to 1,3′‐benzobis (iminopyrrolenone) are reported.

1,3 ‐Benzobis (N‐phenyliminopyrrolenone) was prepared by reaction of 1,3′‐benzobis (iminopyrrolenone) with aniline. The product was a bright yellow crystalline solid which was also formed when dimethyl‐2,5‐dicyanoterephthalate was condensed with aniline under suitable conditions.

Poly (1,3′‐benzobis (iminopyrrolenones)) were synthesised by the condensation of 1,3′ ‐benzobis (iminopyrrolenone) with aromatic diamines and with 1,6‐diaminohexane at high temperatures in dimethyl sulphoxide. The degrees of polymerisation of the polymers obtained were low, as judged by the completeness of the condensation reaction.

Thermogravimetric analyses of these polymers in air showed that they have 10% weight‐loss temperatures in the range 420 to 520°C, for the polymers prepared from aromatic diamines, and of 350°C for the polymer derived from 1,6‐diaminohexane. The insoluble, intractable nature of these polymers precluded a thorough study of their structure.
Polymers in contact lens applications. V. Design and calibration of a technique for “dissolved” oxygen permeability measurements
Authors: Ng Chiong O. , Tighe Brian J.
Published: March 2007

The importance of ‘in vitro’ measurements of ‘dissolved’ oxygen permeabilities of polymers for use in contact with the cornea (as in contact lenses) is discussed and a description given of the design and calibration of a technique suitable for the measurement of oxygen permeabilities in both the ‘dissolved’ (i.e. the transport of oxygen across a membrane separating two aqueous phases) and ‘gaseous’ (in which the membrane separates two gas phases) states.

By the use of a thin film of hydrophobic but highly oxygen permeable polymer even very fragile high water content hydrogels can be supported and studied. Sources of error are discussed together with the conflicting literature values for the oxygen permeability of poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) hydrogels. On the basis of the present work a value of 75 × 10−10 cm3 (STP) mm cm−2 s−1 cm−1 Hg is suggested for the ‘dissolved’ oxygen permeability of this polymer at 25 °C.
Relationship between substituent effect and aromaticity – Part III: naphthalene as a transmitting moiety for substituent effect
Authors: Krygowski Tadeusz M. , Palusiak Marcin , Płonka Anna , Zachara‐Horeglad Joanna E.
Published: March 2007

Molecular geometry of 10 isomeric nitronaphtholate ions (excludingperi‐ andortho‐type substituted systems), 1‐ and 2‐naphtholate ions, 1‐ and 2‐nitronaphthalene,meta‐ andpara‐nitrophenolate, phenolate, and nitrobenzene were optimized at B3LYP/6‐311G** level of approximation. Substituent effect stabilization energy (SESE), geometry‐based aromaticity index HOMA, magnetism‐based indices NICS, NICS(1), NICS(1)zz, and parameters characterizing Bond Critical Points (BCP) (ρ, ▿2ρ, ellipticity, ion/cov) of the Bader AIM theory were used to characterize transmitting properties for substituent effect through the naphthalene moiety. It results from our study that the studied systems could be clearly divided into two groups, (i) apara‐type group, where the intramolecular charge transfer between theπ‐electron donating andπ‐electron accepting substituents can be described by canonical forms with charge separation (as in the case ofpara‐nitrophenolate) and (ii) ameta‐type group, where this transfer requires using canonical forms with double charge separation (as in the case ofmeta‐nitrophenolate). Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigation of N‐carbamoylamino acid nitrosation by {NO + O2} in the solid‐gas phase. Effects of NOx speciation and kinetic evidence for a multiple‐stage process
Authors: Lagrille Olivier , Taillades Jacques , Boiteau Laurent , Commeyras Auguste
Published: March 2007

Nitrosation of N‐carbamoylamino acids (CAA) by gaseous NO + O2, an interesting synthetic pathway to amino acid N‐carboxyanhydrides (NCA), alternative to the phosgene route, was investigated on N‐carbamoyl‐valine either in acetonitrile suspension or solventless conditions, and compared to the classical nitrosating system NaNO2 + CF3COOH (TFA), the latter being quite less efficient in terms of either rate, stoichiometric demand, or further tractability of the product. The rate and efficiency of the NO + O2 reaction mainly depends on the O2/NO ratio. Evaluation of the contribution of various nitrosating species (N2O3, N2O4, HNO2) through stoichiometric balance showed the reaction to be effected mostly by N2O3 for O2/NO ratios below 0.3, and by N2O4 for O2/NO ratios above 0.4. The relative contribution of (subsequently formed) HNO2 always remains minor. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) monitoring of the reaction in the solid phase by either HNO2 (from NaNO2 + TFA), gaseous N2O4 or gaseous N2O3, provides the associated rate constants (ca. 0.1, 2 and 108 s−1 at 25°C, respectively), showing that N2O3 is by far the most reactive of these nitrosating species. From the DSC measurement, the latent heat of fusion of N2O3, 2.74 kJ · mol−1 at −105 °C is also obtained for the first time. The kinetics was investigated under solventless conditions at 0°C, by either quenching experiments or less tedious, rough calorimetric techniques. Auto‐accelerated, parabolic‐shaped kinetics was observed in the first half of the reaction course, together with substantial heat release (temperature increase of ca. 20°C within 1–2 min in a 20‐mg sample), followed by pseudo‐zero‐order kinetics after a sudden, important decrease in apparent rate. This kinetic break is possibly due to the transition between the initial solid‐gas system and a solid‐liquid‐gas system resulting from water formation. Overall rate constants increased with parameters such as the specific surface of the solid, the O2/NO ratio, or the presence of moisture (or equivalently the hydrophilicity of the involved CAA), however without precise relationship, while the last two parameters may directly correlate to the increasing acidity of the medium. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of poly(L‐lysine)‐graft‐polyesters through Michael addition and their self‐assemblies in aqueous solutions
Authors: Xu Ning , Du Fu‐Sheng , Li Zi‐Chen
Published: March 2007

A series of poly(L‐lysine)s grafted with aliphatic polyesters, poly(L‐lysine)‐graft‐poly(L‐lactide) (PLy‐g‐PLLA) and poly(L‐lysine)‐graft‐poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) (PLy‐ g‐PCL), were synthesized through the Michael addition of poly(L‐lysine) and maleimido‐terminated poly(L‐lactide) or poly(ϵ‐caprolactone). The graft density of the polyesters could be adjusted by the variation of the feed ratio of poly(L‐lysine) to the maleimido‐terminated polyesters. IR spectra of PLy‐g‐PCL showed that the graft copolymers adopted an α‐helix conformation in the solid state. Differential scanning calorimetry measurements of the two kinds of graft copolymers indicated that the glass transition temperature of PLy‐g‐PLLA and the melting temperature of PLy‐g‐PCL increased with the increasing graft density of the polyesters on the backbone of poly(L‐lysine). Circular dichroism analysis of PLy‐g‐PCL in water demonstrated that the graft copolymer existed in a random‐coil conformation at pH 6 and as an α‐helix at pH 9. In addition, PLy‐g‐PCL was found to form micelles to vesicles in an aqueous medium with the increasing graft density of poly(ϵ‐caprolactone). © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 1889–1898, 2007
Photolytic transformation of aryl benzobisoxazole and aryl benzobisthiazole compounds into carbon dioxide
Authors: So Ying‐Hung , Bell Bruce M. , Albers Dave R.
Published: March 2007

Solid‐state aryl benzobisoxazole and aryl benzobisthiazole compounds photolyzed in the presence of O2 undergo cleavage to produce benzobisoxazoles (or benzobisthiazoles), benzonitriles, and benzamides. A very high percentage of the carbon atoms in one of the two segments from chain cleavage are converted to CO2. This very unusual observation has been carefully confirmed by gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy analysis of the gaseous components in the photolysis vessel before and after photolysis, labeling experiments, and the correlation of the mass reduction in photolyzed polymers and the amount of CO2 that evolves. The rate of CO2 generation is used to compare the relative photostability of aryl benzobisoxazole and aryl benzobisthiazole model compounds, films, and fibers. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 1868–1877, 2007
Fluorinated copolymers and terpolymers based on vinylidene fluoride and bearing sulfonic acid side‐group
Authors: Sauguet L. , Ameduri B. , Boutevin B.
Published: March 2007

The radical co‐ and terpolymerization of perfluoro(4‐methyl‐3,6‐dioxaoct‐7‐ene) sulfonyl fluoride (PFSVE) with 1,1‐difluoroethylene (or vinylidene fluoride, VDF or VF2), hexafluoropropene (HFP), chlorotrifluoroethylene (CTFE), and bromotrifluoroethylene (BrTFE) is presented. Although PFSVE could not homopolymerize under radical initiation, it could be copolymerized in solution under a radical initiator with VDF, while its copolymerizations with HFP or CTFE led to oligomers in low yields. The terpolymerizations of PFSVE with VDF and HFP, with VDF and CTFE, or with VDF and BrTFE also led to original fluorinated terpolymers bearing sulfonyl fluoride side‐groups. The conditions of co‐ and terpolymerization were optimized in terms of the nature and the amount of the radical initiators, of the nature of solvents (fluorinated or nonhalogenated), and of the initial amounts of fluorinated comonomers. The different mol % contents of comonomers in the co‐ and terpolymers were assessed by 19F NMR spectroscopy. A wide range of co‐ and terpolymers containing mol % of PFSVE functional monomer ranging from 10 to 70% was produced. The kinetics of copolymerization of VDF with PFSVE enabled to assess the reactivity ratios of both comonomers: rVDF = 0.57 ± 0.15 and rPFSVE = 0.07 ± 0.04 at 120 °C. The thermal and physicochemical properties were also studied. Moreover, the glass transition temperatures (Tgs) of poly(VDF‐co‐PFSVE) copolymers containing different amounts of VDF and PFSVE were determined and the theoretical Tg of poly(PFSVE) homopolymer was deduced. Then, the hydrolysis of the SO2F into SO3H function was investigated and enabled the synthesis of fluorinated copolymers bearing sulfonic acid functions. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 1814–1834, 2007
Efficacy of dexamethasone injection for acute bronchiolitis in hospitalized children: A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Teeratakulpisarn Jamaree , Limwattananon Chulaporn , Tanupattarachai Sureeporn , Limwattananon Supon , Teeratakulpisarn Somrak , Kosalaraksa Pope
Published: March 2007

Controversy over the efficacy of systemic corticosteroids for acute bronchiolitis initiated this study. We conducted a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial to examine the efficacy of single dexamethasone injection for the treatment of acute bronchiolitis in young hospitalized children. The study, performed at the pediatric wards of a University Hospital and its affiliated hospital in Thailand, included 174 previously healthy children under 2 years of age, hospitalized with acute bronchiolitis. Each child received either a single intramuscular injection of 0.6 mg/kg dexamethasone or a placebo in addition to regular management. The primary outcome was the time from study entry to resolution of respiratory distress, determined by a clinical score derived from the respiratory rate, occurrence of wheezing, chest retraction, and oxygen saturation. Survival analysis using the Kaplan–Meier method and a log‐rank test were performed. A single‐dose, dexamethasone injection versus placebo produced a significant: (1) decrease in the time needed for resolution of respiratory distress (hazard ratio 1.56; 95% CI, 1.14–2.13; P = 0.005), (2) decrease in the mean duration of symptoms of 11.8 hr (95% CI, 3.9–19.7; P = 0.004), (3) decrease in the mean duration of oxygen therapy of 14.9 hr (95% CI, 5.3–24.4; P = 0.003), and (4) decrease in the mean length of hospital stay of 13.4 hr (95%CI, 2.6–24.2; P = 0.02). In conclusion, a single injection of dexamethasone yielded a significant clinical benefit for the treatment of previously healthy, young children hospitalized with acute bronchiolitis. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2007; 42:433–439. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identification of near‐native structures by clustering protein docking conformations
Authors: Lorenzen Stephan , Zhang Yang
Published: March 2007

Most state‐of‐the‐art protein–protein docking algorithms use the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) technique to sample the six‐dimensional translational and rotational space. Scoring functions including shape complementarity, electrostatics, and desolvation are usually exploited in ranking the docking conformations. While these rigid‐body docking methods provide good performance in bound docking, using unbound structures as input frequently leads to a high number of false positive hits. For the purpose of better selecting correct docking conformations, we structurally cluster the docking decoys generated by four widely‐used FFT‐based protein–protein docking methods. In all cases, the selection based on cluster size outperforms the ranking based on the inherent scoring function. If we cluster decoys from different servers together, only marginal improvement is obtained in comparison with clustering decoys from the best individual server. A collection of multiple decoy sets of comparable quality will be the key to improve the clustering result from meta‐docking servers. Proteins 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Microwave‐assisted RCM for the synthesis of carbocyclic peptides
Authors: Robinson Andrea J. , Elaridi Jomana , Van Lierop Bianca J. , Mujcinovic Selma , Jackson W. Roy
Published: March 2007

Microwave irradiation dramatically improves the efficiency of ring closing metathesis (RCM) reactions of resin‐attached peptides and the technology is illustrated by the highly selective synthesis of dicarba analogues of α‐conotoxin IMI. Copyright © 2007 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrospray ionization mass spectrometric characterization of key Te(IV) cationic intermediates for the addition of TeCl4 to alkynes
Authors: Santos Leonardo S. , Cunha Rodrigo L. O. R. , Comasseto João V. , Eberlin Marcos N.
Published: March 2007

Tellurium tetrachloride adds to alkynes via two pathways: a concerted syn‐addition that yields Z‐tri‐ and ‐tetrasubstituted alkenes or an anti‐addition that yields E‐alkenes. The mechanistic aspects of these divergent pathways for TeCl4 addition to alkynes have been investigated by on‐line electrospray ionization (tandem) mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS(/MS)). Via ESI‐MS(/MS), we have been able to intercept and characterize the active electrophile TeCl in tetrahydrofuran (THF) solutions of TeCl4, as well as its THF complex and several TeClx(OH) derivatives. For the first time, also, key Te(IV) cationic intermediates of the electrophilic addition of TeCl4 to alkynes were captured for gas‐phase MS investigation. The detailed structural data of cyclic tellurane intermediates intercepted herein seems to provide insights into the coordinative behavior of the Te(IV) atom and its mode of action towards biological targets. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A survey and taxonomy of approaches for mining software repositories in the context of software evolution
Authors: Kagdi Huzefa , Collard Michael L. , Maletic Jonathan I.
Published: March 2007

A comprehensive literature survey on approaches for mining software repositories (MSR) in the context of software evolution is presented. In particular, this survey deals with those investigations that examine multiple versions of software artifacts or other temporal information. A taxonomy is derived from the analysis of this literature and presents the work via four dimensions: the type of software repositories mined (what), the purpose (why), the adopted/invented methodology used (how), and the evaluation method (quality). The taxonomy is demonstrated to be expressive (i.e., capable of representing a wide spectrum of MSR investigations) and effective (i.e., facilitates similarities and comparisons of MSR investigations). Lastly, a number of open research issues in MSR that require further investigation are identified. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The application of product measures in directing software maintenance activity
Authors: Ware M. P. , Wilkie F. G. , Shapcott M.
Published: March 2007

This paper is concerned with enhancing aspects of project‐management techniques in relation to maintenance in commercial object‐oriented software. Maintenance forms a significant proportion of the lifecycle of a product and consequently its costs. Techniques such as lean production attempt to reduce cost by focusing team effort and to pre‐empt issues by the use of early detection and resolution strategies. This study involves a commercial application written in C++ and its evolution over a one‐year period. Software product measures are used in conjunction with Pareto analysis to determine effective predictive class targeting in a release cycle. We assess the capability of the measures and consider how the results can be used by the project team. The study extends the work of others in this field in three ways. First, other studies have analysed procedural code, whereas we use an object‐oriented code base. Second, most studies assess the predictive capability of measures against the number of software issues; we examine these factors, but uniquely test for change density using density modified measures and we also test for revision volume. Finally, we examine the implications of these results and offer a cohesive framework of recommendations placed within the lean management philosophy. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Remote stereocontrol using functionalized allylmetal reagents
Authors: Thomas Eric J.
Published: March 2007

Alk‐2‐enyl(trialkyl)stannanes with heteroatom substituents at the 4‐, 5‐, and 6‐positions are transmetallated stereoselectively using tin(IV) halides to generate allyltin trihalides, which react with aldehydes to give (3Z)‐homoallylic alcohols with efficient 1,5‐, 1,6‐, and 1,7‐stereocontrol. This chemistry has been used to develop new strategies for natural product synthesis. Because of the toxicity of organotin reagents and the problems in removing organotin residues from reaction products, alternative procedures that avoid the use of organotin reagents have been investigated. To date, alk‐2‐enylgermanium reagents have been shown to deliver effective 1,5‐ and 1,6‐stereocontrol, which is analogous to that observed for the organotin compounds. Organobismuth intermediates, which can be generated from allyl bromides and zinc‐bismuth(III)iodide, react with aldehydes with efficient 1,5‐stereocontrol which is complementary to that observed with the organo‐stannanes or ‐germanes in that (3E)‐homoallylic alcohols are obtained. © 2007 The Japan Chemical Journal Forum and Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Chem Rec 7: 115–124; 2007: Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com) DOI 10.1002/tcr.20113
Obesity: gaining recognition in primary care
Authors: Haslam David W.
Published: March 2007

With obesity now recognised as a disease in its own right, primary care has a vital role to play in prevention and management. David Haslam argues that more resources are required to empower GPs to target those individuals who are at greatest risk of associated diseases. Copyright © 2007 Wiley Interface Ltd
Formation and characterization of liposomes from lipid/proteic material extracted from pig stratum corneum
Authors: Lopez O. , de la Maza A. , Coderch L. , Parra J. L.
Published: March 2007

The formation and physicochemical properties of liposomes prepared from a mixture of lipids and proteins extracted from pig stratum corneum have been investigated. The extraction of this material was carried out with chloroform/methanol mixtures. The sonication of these mixtures at 80°C in water that contained piperazine‐1,4‐bis(2‐ethanesulfonic acid) led to the formation of bilayered structures (vesicle size of about 150 nm), which were stable to aggregation for more than 24 h. The interaction of these liposome suspensions (proteoliposomes) at a subsolubilizing level with surfactants indicates that the nonionic surfactant Triton X‐100 had the largest capacity for altering liposome permeability, whereas the amphoteric surfactant dodecyl betaine exhibited the smallest. The anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate showed an intermediate activity relative to that shown by the other surfactants tested. Despite the fact that the proteoliposomes showed negligible permeability in the absence of surfactants, compared with that of phosphatidylcholine liposomes, addition of identical amounts of surfactants resulted after 45 min in similar permeability effects for both. However, the proteoliposomes appeared to be more resistant to the action of surfactants in the initial interaction period.
Changes in the characteristics and composition of oils during deep‐fat frying
Authors: Tyagi V. K. , Vasishtha A. K.
Published: March 2007

Refined, bleached, and deodorized soybean oil and vanaspati (partially hydrogenated vegetable oil blend consisting of peanut, cottonseed, nigerseed, palm, rapeseed, mustard, rice bran, soybean, sunflower, corn, safflower, sesame oil, etc., in varying proportions) were used for deep‐fat frying potato chips at 170, 180, and 190°C. Refractive index, specific gravity, color, viscosity, saponification value, and free fatty acids of soybean oil increased with frying temperature, whereas the iodine value decreased. The same trend was observed in vanaspati, but less markedly than in soybean oil, indicating a lesser degree of deterioration. Iodine values of soybean oil and vanaspati decreased from their initial values of 129.8 and 74.7 to 96.2 and 59.6, respectively, after 70 h of frying. Polyunsaturated fatty acids decreased in direct proportion to frying time and temperature. Losses were highest in soybean oil with a 79% decrease in trienoic acids and a 60% decrease in dienoic acids. Levels of nonurea adduct‐forming esters were proportional to the losses of unsaturated fatty acids. Butylated hydroxyanisole and tertiary butylhydroquinone did not affect deterioration of soybean oil at frying temperatures.
The effect of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose on synthetic detergent systems
Authors: Vaughn Thomas H. , Smith Clifton E.
Published: March 2007

Certain forms of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose have been shown to be highly effective as synthetic detergent promoters. Formulations containing a sodium alkyl aryl sulfonate type of synthetic detergent, alkaline salts and a type of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose developed for high detergency promoting properties surpass high quality fatty acid soaps in both carbon soil removal and whiteness retention on cottons.

Methods having a relatively high order of precision for the evaluation of detergency have been presented in detail. By these methods two fundamental characteristics of detergency—as applied to the laundering of cotton fabrics may be independently measured.
Solidification point curves of binary acid mixtures
Authors: Schuette H. A. , Maylott Asa O. , Roth D. A.
Published: March 2007

With the synthesis ofn‐hexatriacontanoic acid (sol. pt. 99.65°C.), this time coupling ω‐carbethoxynonoyl chloride with cadmium docosyl bromide, rather than with its zine iodide counterpart (5d), to formn‐dotriacontanoic acid, from which by malonic‐ester synthesis, the chain was lengthened in two stages, the series of solidification point eurves of binary mixtures of the homologous acids in question has been increased by one pair. Detailed descriptions of the several steps involved in these syntheses have been given. The curve, although slightly flatter—it is here drawn to a different scale than that previously used (5)−has the same general shape as those previously reported for the homologous fatty acids in this area.
Mono‐ and diglycerides in industrial fats
Authors: Schlenker Ernest , Gnaedinger Jean
Published: March 2007

The presence of mono‐ and diglycerides in raw and hydrolyzed fats and their effect on the yields of fatty acids obtained by distillation is discussed.

Experiments carried out under conditions suitable for the esterification of mono‐ and diglycerides with fatty acids to form triglycerides indicate the presence of these mono‐ and diglycerides.
X‐ray diffraction by aluminum soaps
Authors: Marsden Sullivan S. , Mysels Karol J. , Smith Gerould H. , Ross Sydney
Published: March 2007

The microphotometer tracings and Bragg spacings of typical x‐ray powder diffraction patterns are reported for aluminum dilaurates and distearates. Patterns for both extracted soaps and soaps containing uncombined acid are included. The extraction of molecular, uncombined fatty acid may produce either a complete recrystallization of the soap, or only minor changes in the diffraction pattern. At least two of the three types of extracted distearate are polymorphs whereas the two types of unextracted stearate are each mixtures of free fatty acid, together with what may be a solid solution of fatty acid in one of the extracted types.

Extracted aluminum dilaurate has been observed to exist in only one “crystalline form,” differing from that of the unextracted aluminum dilaurate. The latter consists of free fatty acid, together with dilaurate sorbing some acid with a slight but distinct change in the x‐ray powder pattern.

The presence of some free fatty acid in unextracted aluminum soaps is confirmed by x‐rays.

The sorption of moisture has no effect on the x‐ray diffraction pattern of aluminum di‐soaps, pointing to purely surface attachment of water.
Preparation of gossypol from cottonseed pigment glands
Authors: Castillon L. E. , Hall C. M. , Boatner C. H.
Published: March 2007

Cottonseed pigment glands, produced from whole cottonseed meal and defatted cottonseed meal by the gland flotation process, have been investigated as a raw material for the production of gossypol.

Methods based on the previously reported properties of gossypol and cottonseed pigment glands have been developed for the relatively rapid isolation of gossypol from pigment glands.

Extraction of gossypol from pigment glands with acetone followed by precipitation of gossypol acetic acid from the extract was found to be the preferable method for obtaining pure gossypol in good yields.

The precautions which must be applied in order to produce gossypol on a large scale by the acetone‐acetic acid method are discussed together with methods for the purification and preservation of gossypol.
Autoxidation of fats. I. Preparation and oxidation of alkylbenzene‐maleic anhydride adducts
Authors: Bickford W. G. , Fisher G. S. , Dollear F. G. , Swift C. E.
Published: March 2007

It has been shown that certain alkylbenzenes having a hydrogen atom on the alpha carbon atom react with maleic anhydride to form compounds analogous to the hydroperoxides produced by autoxidation of the alkylbenzenes. The structure of these products has been determined by oxidation with aqueous permanganate and the results have been applied, together with other data, to demonstrate that the reaction proceeds by a free radical chain mechanism involving the abstraction of a hydrogen atom from the alpha carbon atom. In view of the analogy between the products obtained in this investigation and in autoxidation, it is suggested that autoxidation is propagated in a similar manner.
Fatty acid esters of methylglucoside prepared by the alcoholysis reaction
Authors: Wolff Hans , Hill W. H.
Published: March 2007

Alcoholysis of triglycerides by methylglucoside gave an impure reaction mixture containing from 60–70% of glucoside‐monoesters.

The mono‐, di‐, and trioleoyl methylglucosides were prepared by alcoholysis of methyloleate with α‐methylglucoside.

Hydrolysis of the glucoside esters of fatty acids to dextrose esters could not be achieved. The ester linkage hydrolyzed in preference to the acetal linkage.
An introduction to biomarkers: applications to chronic kidney disease
Authors: Lemley Kevin V.
Published: March 2007

Diagnosis and management of chronic kidney disease (CKD) will be characterized in the future by an increasing use of biomarkers—quantitative indicators of biologic or pathologic processes that vary continuously with progression of the process. “Classical” biomarkers of CKD progression include quantitative proteinuria, the percentage of sclerotic glomeruli or fractional interstitial fibrosis. New candidate biomarkers (e.g., urinary proteomic patterns) are being developed based on both mechanistic and “shotgun” approaches. Validation of potential biomarkers in prospective studies as surrogate endpoints for hard clinical outcomes is often complicated by the long lag time to the ultimate clinical outcome (e.g., end-stage renal disease). The very dense data sets that result from shotgun approaches on small numbers of patients carry a significant risk of model overfitting, leading to spurious associations. New analytic methods can help to decrease this risk. It is likely that clinical practice will come to depend increasingly on multiplex (vector) biomarkers used in conjunction with risk markers in early diagnosis as well as to guide therapy.
Biomarkers for the early detection of acute kidney injury
Authors: Nguyen Mai T. , Devarajan Prasad
Published: March 2007

Acute kidney injury (AKI), previously referred to as acute renal failure (ARF), represents a persistent problem in clinical medicine. Despite significant improvements in therapeutics, the mortality and morbidity associated with AKI remain high. A major reason for this is the lack of early markers for AKI, akin to troponins in acute myocardial disease, and hence an unacceptable delay in initiating therapy. Fortunately, the application of innovative technologies such as functional genomics and proteomics to human and animal models of AKI has uncovered several novel genes and gene products that are emerging as biomarkers. The most promising of these are chronicled in this article. These include a plasma panel [neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and cystatin C] and a urine panel [NGAL, interleukin 18 (IL-18), and kidney injury molecule 1 (KIM)-1]. As they represent sequentially expressed biomarkers, it is likely that the AKI panels will be useful for timing the initial insult and assessing the duration of AKI. Based on the differential expression of the biomarkers, it is also likely that the AKI panels will distinguish between the various types and etiologies of AKI. It will be important in future studies to validate the sensitivity and specificity of these biomarker panels in clinical samples from large cohorts and from multiple clinical situations.
Growth of prepubertal children on dialysis
Authors: Stefanidis Constantinos J. , Klaus Günter
Published: March 2007

Growth failure is a common and significant clinical problem for children on dialysis and often remains a major impediment to their rehabilitation. Early referral to a paediatric nephrology centre and appropriate management before the initiation of dialysis may significantly prevent growth deterioration. Growth in children on dialysis can be affected by nutritional, metabolic, and hormonal changes. Early diagnosis of malnutrition and aggressive management should be a priority. Gastrostomy feeding should be used when adequate oral intake to maintain normal height and weight velocity cannot be achieved. Active vitamin D metabolites should be used carefully, to prevent low-turnover bone disease. All children should have an adequate regimen of dialysis and an appropriate management of malnutrition, renal osteodystrophy, metabolic acidosis, salt wasting and anaemia, before recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) administration is considered. The current challenge of reversing growth impairment in children on dialysis can only be achieved by optimization of their care.
Effects of acorn masting on population dynamics of three forest‐dwelling rodent species in Hokkaido, Japan
Authors: Saitoh Takashi , Osawa Jun , Takanishi Toshikazu , Hayakashi Shintaro , Ohmori Masaaki , Morita Toshio , Uemura Shigeru , Vik Jon Olav , Stenseth Nils Chr. , Maekawa Koji
Published: March 2007

The effects of the abundance of acorns of the oak, Quercus crispula, on the population dynamics of three rodent species (Apodemus speciosus, A. argenteus, and Clethrionomys rufocanus) were analyzed using time series data (1992–2006). The data were obtained in a forest in northern Hokkaido, Japan, by live trapping rodents and directly counting acorns on the ground. Apodemus speciosus generally increased in abundance following acorn masting. However, the clear effect of acorn abundance was not detected for the other two rodent species. Acorns of Q. crispula contain tannins, which potentially have detrimental effects on herbivores. Apodemus speciosus may reduce the damage caused by acorn tannins with tannin‐binding salivary proteins and tannase‐producing bacteria, whereas such physiological tolerance to tannins is not known in the other two rodent species. The differences in the effects of acorns between the three species may be due to differences in their physiological tolerance to tannins.
Plant regrowth response to a stem‐boring insect: a swift moth‐willow system
Authors: Utsumi Shunsuke , Ohgushi Takayuki
Published: March 2007

To examine plastic willow regrowth response to herbivory, we studied the effect of a boring insect, the swift moth Endoclita excrescens (Hepialidae: Lepidoptera), which does not remove apical meristems, on shoot growth in three willow species—Salix gilgiana, S. eriocarpa, and S. serissaefolia−by direct observations and experiments in the field. We hypothesized that the stem‐boring could initiate new lateral bud activation, and result in secondary shoot regrowth without the removal of the primary apical meristems. There were significantly more lateral shoots on naturally attacked than unattacked stems, and a significant positive correlation between lateral shoot density and the number of swift moth tunnels per tree was observed for all three willow species. Artificial boring, and larval infestation, resulted in an increase in the number of lateral shoots, but did not affect growth of current‐year shoots. The length of lateral shoots differed between species, being significantly longer in S. gilgiana than S. eriocarpa and S. serissaefolia. The results of this study show that compensatory regrowth can result even if herbivory does not remove the apical meristem. We argue that this type of plant compensatory response is probably widespread, given that the stem‐boring is a common feeding type of insect herbivores.
Alendronate Inhibits PTH (1–34)-induced Bone Morphogenetic Protein Expression in MC3T3-E1 Preosteoblastic Cells
Authors: Issack Paul S. , Lauerman Margaret H. , Helfet David L. , Doty Stephen B. , Lane Joseph M.
Published: March 2007

The bisphosphonate class of antiresorptive drugs and active forms of parathyroid hormone (PTH (1–34)) have been used clinically to enhance bone mass and density in patients with osteoporosis. Abundant evidence suggests that the mechanism by which PTH (1–34) increases bone density is stimulation of osteoblast differentiation. Although bisphosphonates have been classically thought to increase bone density by inhibiting osteoclasts, there is increasing evidence to suggest that bisphosphonates have direct stimulatory effects on osteoblast differentiation. Interestingly, in patients with osteoporosis, combination therapy with bisphosphonates and PTH (1–34) is not synergistic in increasing bone density; bisphosphonates appear to blunt the effect of PTH (1–34). To begin to understand the mechanism governing the effects of these agents on osteoblasts and a possible explanation for their apparent antagonism, we examined the expression of several bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) in MC3T3-E1 preosteoblastic cells either untreated, or treated with alendronate, parathyroid hormone, or a combination of the two agents. We find by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) that while alendronate fails to induce the expression of any of the BMPs tested, several BMPs are induced by PTH (1–34). The induction of the PTH (1–34)-inducible BMPs is blocked with simultaneous alendronate treatment. These data suggest that alendronate interferes with PTH (1–34)-induced BMP gene transcription and provides a possible basis for the antagonism observed between the two agents in increasing bone density.
A pH sensor based on electric properties of nanotubes on a glass substrate
Authors: Takeda Seiji , Nakamura Motonori , Ishii Atsushi , Subagyo Agus , Hosoi Hirotaka , Sueoka Kazuhisa , Mukasa Koichi
Published: March 2007

We fabricated a pH-sensitive device on a glass substrate based on properties of carbon nanotubes. Nanotubes were immobilized specifically on chemically modified areas on a substrate followed by deposition of metallic source and drain electrodes on the area. Some nanotubes connected the source and drain electrodes. A top gate electrode was fabricated on an insulating layer of silane coupling agent on the nanotube. The device showed properties of ann-type field effect transistor when a potential was applied to the nanotube from the top gate electrode. Before fabrication of the insulating layer, the device showed that thep-type field effect transistor and the current through the source and drain electrodes depend on the buffer pH. The current increases with decreasing pH of the CNT solution. This device, which can detect pH, is applicable for use as a biosensor through modification of the CNT surface.
Fate of Phytic Acid in Producing Soy Protein Ingredients
Authors: Deak Nicolas A. , Johnson Lawrence A.
Published: March 2007

Phytic acid (myo‐inositol hexaphosphate) is present in soybeans and soy protein products at 1–2% dry matter. Phytate causes poor absorption of essential electrolytes and minerals, and binds to proteins and co‐precipitates with isoelectric soy protein isolates. We determined how phytic acid partitioned during different procedures to prepare soy protein ingredients. Procedure and soybean variety significantly affected phytic acid content and recovery. High‐sucrose/low‐stachyose (HS/LS) soybeans contained significantly (P < 0.05) less phytate than did a typical variety of commodity soybeans (IA2020). In addition, phytate was more readily extracted from the commodity soybeans than from HS/LS soybeans. Among all procedures studied, ethanol‐washed soy protein concentrate had the highest phytate contents and yields in the protein products for both soybean varieties (~80 mg/g and 99%, respectively). When protein extraction was carried out at room temperature the protein products had significantly lower phytate yields (60–78%) than when extraction was at 60 °C (80–99%). The protein products obtained from normal soybeans had significantly higher phytate contents than the same products made from HS/LS soybeans. When fractionating soy proteins, the glycinin‐rich fraction contained significantly less phytate than the β‐conglycinin fraction except for the fractionation procedure performed at room temperature instead of 4 °C.
Zinc‐finger transcription factor Snail accelerates survival, migration and expression of matrix metalloproteinase‐2 in human bone mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Zha Yun‐hong , He Jie‐feng , Mei Yuan‐wu , Yin Tao , Mao Ling
Published: March 2007

Although bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC) hold promise in gene therapy and tissue engineering, the inefficient migration and the low capability of subsequent survival of BMSC have largely restrained progress in these studies. Characteristics shared between stem cells and tumorigenic cells prompted us to investigate whether mechanisms of tumor progression contribute to stem cell migration. The transcription factor Snail which functions in epithelial‐mesenchymal transitions (EMT) is responsible for the acquisition of motile and invasive properties of tumor cells. It is not yet known whether Snail acts in the mechanisms of stem cell migration. Here it is shown that ectopic Snail expression increased the migration of BMSC in vitro by a mechanism dependent on the phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI‐3K) signaling pathway. Snail expression may contribute to the constitutive activation of signaling pathways of PI‐3K and MAPK and the related MMP‐2 secretion in BMSC. Furthermore, the stem cells expressing Snail were protected from the apoptosis triggered by serum deprivation. These results suggested the possibility for us to optimize the migration of BMSC toward infarcted tissues and their subsequent survival in the local microenvironment, by investigating mechanisms associated with the acquisition of invasiveness by tumor cells.
Analysis of aclarubicin‐induced cell death in human fibroblasts
Authors: Kania K. , Matławska‐Wąsowska K. , Osiecka R. , Jóźwiak Z.
Published: March 2007

In the present study we investigated the mode of cell death induced by aclarubicin (ACL) in trisomic (BB) and normal (S‐2) human fibroblasts. Cells were incubated with ACL for 2 h and then cultured in drug‐free medium for up to 96 h. Using fluorescence microscopy, agarose gel electrophoresis and comet assay we demonstrate that ACL induced time‐dependent morphological and biochemical changes in both cell types. The population of apoptotic cells, analysed by acridine orange and ethidium bromide nuclear staining reached its maximum at 24–48 h. Prolonged post‐treatment time progressively increased the level of necrotic cells. At 24–48 h time points we also observed a significant increase in caspase‐3 activity, oligonucleosomal DNA fragmentation and DNA strand breaks. Cotreatment of cells with the specific caspase‐3 inhibitor Ac‐DEVD‐CHO partly reduced the extent of apoptosis and necrosis and DNA degradation. In conclusion, trisomic and normal fibroblasts demonstrate similar response to aclarubicin treatment. Drug induced the apoptotic and necrotic pathway of cell death that was mediated by caspase‐3.
Non‐cardiovascular co‐morbidity in elderly patients with heart failure outnumbers cardiovascular co‐morbidity
Authors: van der Wel Mark C. , Jansen Rene W.M.M. , Bakx J. Carel , Bor Hans H.J. , OldeRikkert Marcel G.M. , van Weel Chris
Published: March 2007

Background:

Patients with heart failure often suffer from multiple co‐morbid conditions. However, until now only cardiovascular co‐morbidity has been well described.

Aims:

To understand heart failure in the context of multi‐morbidity, by describing the age and sex specific patterns of non‐cardiovascular co‐morbidity in elderly patients with heart failure in general practice.

Methods:

All patients aged 65 years and over, diagnosed with heart failure in four practices of the Nijmegen Academic Practice‐based Research Network (NPBRN) between January 1999 and December 2003 were selected, and the prevalence of 27 cardio‐ and non‐cardiovascular co‐morbidities determined.

Results:

Of the 269 patients identified (mean age 79 years; 57% women), 80.2% had four or more co‐morbidities. With increasing age, a significant increase in the prevalence of non‐cardiovascular conditions like visual and hearing impairments, osteoarthritis, dementia and urine incontinence; and a decrease in cardiovascular conditions like myocardial infarction and in women, hypertension, was observed. In patients aged 85 years and over, non‐cardiovascular disorders predominated over cardiovascular disorders.

Conclusions

In elderly patients with heart failure, the prevalence of non‐cardiovascular co‐morbidity is very high and exceeds the prevalence of cardiovascular conditions. Diseases such as dementia and osteoarthritis must be taken into account in the management of elderly patients with heart failure.
Sequence effects of single base loops in intramolecular quadruplex DNA
Authors: Rachwal Phillip A. , Brown Tom , Fox Keith R.
Published: March 2007

We have examined the properties of intramolecular G‐quadruplexes in which the G3 tracts are separated by single base loops. The most stable complex contained 1′,2′‐dideoxyribose in all three loops, while loops containing T and C were slightly less stable (by about 2 °C). Quadruplexes containing loops with single A residues were less stable by 8 °C for each T to A substitution. These folded sequences display similar CD spectra, which are consistent with the formation of parallel stranded complexes with double‐chain reversal loops. These results demonstrate that loop sequence, and not just length, affects quadruplex stability.
Genital tuberculosis in Indian infertility patients
Authors: Gupta N. , Sharma J.B. , Mittal S. , Singh N. , Misra R. , Kukreja M.
Published: March 2007

Objectives: To analyze the clinical and laparoscopic features of 40 infertile women with genital tuberculosis. Materials and methods: This prospective clinical study was carried out at a tertiary care hospital from October 1, 2004, to August 30, 2006, with 150 infertile women in whom there was clinical suspicion of genital tuberculosis. All underwent diagnostic laparoscopy and biopsy for confirmation and other causes of infertility were excluded. Results: Among the 40 infertile women affected with genital tuberculosis there were cases of primary (n = 30) and secondary (n = 10) infertility; pelvic pain (n = 8); menorrhagia (n = 9); oligomenorrhea (n = 7); hypomenorrhea (n = 8); and primary (n = 2) and secondary (n = 2) amenorrhea. There were histories of pulmonary (n = 9) and abdominal tuberculosis (n = 6), ectopic pregnancy (n = 4), and antitubercular treatment (n = 10) in 10. There were cases of positive Mantoux test results (n = 2); endometrial aspiration showing tubercular endometritis (n = 10); positive acid‐fast bacillus culture results (n = 1); and positive polymerase chain reaction results (n = 9). Laparoscopic examination revealed abnormally dilated, tortuous, and blocked fallopian tubes (n = 13); peritubal and periovarian adhesions (n = 18); Fitz Hugh Curtis syndrome (n = 15); omental adhesions (n = 18); and bowel adhesions (n = 15). Hysteroscopy revealed flimsy intrauterine adhesions (n = 7). All patients were treated for tuberculosis and 13 were counseled for in‐vitro fertilization and embryo transfer or adoption. Conclusion: Genital tuberculosis is common in India and a combination of clinical and laparoscopic diagnoses, along with endometrial histopathologic studies, acid‐fast bacillus culture, and polymerase chain reaction assays provides the best available method for the diagnosis of genital tuberculosis in infertile women.