bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rice Protein Extracted by Different Methods Affects Cholesterol Metabolism in Rats Due to Its Lower Digestibility
Authors: Yang Lin , Chen Jiahou , Xu Tong , Qiu Wei , Zhang Yan , Zhang Lanwei , Xu Fuping , Liu Hongbo
Published: November 2011

To elucidate whether the digestibility is responsible for the hypocholesterolemic action of rice protein, the effects of rice proteins extracted by alkali (RP-A) and α-amylase (RP-E) on cholesterol metabolism were investigated in 7-week-old male Wistar rats fed cholesterol-free diets for 3 weeks. The in vitro and in vivo digestibility was significantly reduced by RP-A and RP-E as compared to casein (CAS). The digestibility was lower in RP-E than that of RP-A. Compared with CAS, the significant cholesterol-lowering effects were observed in rats fed by RP-A and RP-E. Fecal excretion of bile acids was significantly stimulated by RP-E, but not by RP-A. The apparent cholesterol absorption was more effectively inhibited by RP-E than RP-A because more fecal neutral sterols were excreted in rats fed RP-E. There was a significant correlation between protein digestibility and cholesterol absorption (r = 0.8662, P < 0.01), resulting in a significant correlation between protein digestibility and plasma cholesterol level (r = 0.7357, P < 0.01) in this study. The present study demonstrates that the digestibility of rice protein affected by extraction method plays a major role in the modulation of cholesterol metabolism. Results suggest that the hypocholesterolemic action induced by rice protein with lower digestibility primarily contribute to the inhibition of cholesterol absorption.
Biochemical Properties and Potential Applications of Recombinant Leucine Aminopeptidase from Bacillus kaustophilus CCRC 11223
Authors: Shen Yanfei , Wang Fanghua , Lan Dongming , Liu Yuanyuan , Yang Bo , Wang Yonghua
Published: November 2011

Experiments were carried out to investigate the effects of various factors on the activity and conformation of recombinant leucine aminopeptidase of Bacillus kaustophilus CCRC 11223 (BkLAP) and potential utilization of BkLAP in the hydrolysis of anchovy protein. Optimal temperature and pH of BkLAP were 70 °C and 8.0 in potassium-phosphate buffer, respectively, and the activity was strongly stimulated by Ni2+, followed by Mn2+ and Co2+. Conformational studies via circular dichroism spectroscopy indicated that various factors could influence the secondary structure of BkLAP to different extents and further induce the changes in enzymatic activity. The secondary structure of BkLAP was slightly modified by Ni2+ at the concentration of 1×10−4 M, however, significant changes on the secondary structures of the enzyme were observed when Hg2+ was added to the concentration of 1×10−4 M. The potential application of BkLAP was evaluated through combination with the commercial or endogenous enzyme to hydrolysis the anchovy protein. Results showed that combining the BkLAP with other enzymes could significantly increase the degree of hydrolysis and amino acid component of hydrolysate. In this regard, BkLAP is a potential enzyme that can be used in the protein hydrolysate industry.
Molecular Systematics of Polygonum minus Huds. Based on ITS Sequences
Authors: Bunawan Hamidun , Choong Chee Yen , Md-Zain Badrul Munir , Baharum Syarul Nataqain , Noor Normah Mohd
Published: November 2011

Plastid trnL-trnF and nuclear ribosomal ITS sequences were obtained from selected wild-type individuals of Polygonum minus Huds. in Peninsular Malaysia. The 380 bp trnL-trnF sequences of the Polygonum minus accessions were identical. Therefore, the trnL-trnF failed to distinguish between the Polygonum minus accessions. However, the divergence of ITS sequences (650 bp) among the Polygonum minus accessions was 1%, indicating that these accessions could be distinguished by the ITS sequences. A phylogenetic relationship based on the ITS sequences was inferred using neighbor-joining, maximum parsimony and Bayesian inference. All of the tree topologies indicated that Polygonum minus from Peninsular Malaysia is unique and different from the synonymous Persicaria minor (Huds.) Opiz and Polygonum kawagoeanum Makino.
MAOS and Medicinal Chemistry: Some Important Examples from the Last Years
Authors: Nascimento-Júnior Nailton M. , Kümmerle Arthur E. , Barreiro Eliezer J. , Fraga Carlos A. M.
Published: November 2011

This review aims to highlight microwave-assisted organic synthesis as applied to medicinal chemistry in the last years, showing some reactions performed under microwave irradiation for the synthesis of distinct structurally molecules of biological interest, divided into the following groups: antineoplastics, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial agents, antivirals, agents for the treatment of neglected diseases and central nervous system-acting prototypes.
Tracking Environmental Compliance and Remediation Trajectories Using Image-Based Anomaly Detection Methodologies
Authors: Lein James K.
Published: November 2011

Recent interest in use of satellite remote sensing for environmental compliance and remediation assessment has been heightened by growing policy requirements and the need to provide more rapid and efficient monitoring and enforcement mechanisms. However, remote sensing solutions are attractive only to the extent that they can deliver environmentally relevant information in a meaningful and time-sensitive manner. Unfortunately, the extent to which satellite-based remote sensing satisfies the demands for compliance and remediation assessment under the conditions of an actual environmental accident or calamity has not been well documented. In this study a remote sensing solution to the problem of site remediation and environmental compliance assessment was introduced based on the use of the RDX anomaly detection algorithm and vegetation indices developed from the Tasseled Cap Transform. Results of this analysis illustrate how the use of standard vegetation transforms, integrated into an anomaly detection strategy, enable the time-sequenced tracking of site remediation progress. Based on these results credible evidence can be produced to support compliance evaluation and remediation assessment following major environmental disasters.
Absolute Radiometric Calibration of ALS Intensity Data: Effects on Accuracy and Target Classification
Authors: Kaasalainen Sanna , Pyysalo Ulla , Krooks Anssi , Vain Ants , Kukko Antero , Hyyppä Juha , Kaasalainen Mikko
Published: November 2011

Radiometric calibration of airborne laser scanning (ALS) intensity data aims at retrieving a value related to the target scattering properties, which is independent on the instrument or flight parameters. The aim of a calibration procedure is also to be able to compare results from different flights and instruments, but practical applications are sparsely available, and the performance of calibration methods for this purpose needs to be further assessed. We have studied the radiometric calibration with data from three separate flights and two different instruments using external calibration targets. We find that the intensity data from different flights and instruments can be compared to each other only after a radiometric calibration process using separate calibration targets carefully selected for each flight. The calibration is also necessary for target classification purposes, such as separating vegetation from sand using intensity data from different flights. The classification results are meaningful only for calibrated intensity data.
Design of Selective Gas Sensors Using Additive-Loaded In2O3 Hollow Spheres Prepared by Combinatorial Hydrothermal Reactions
Authors: Kim Sun-Jung , Hwang In-Sung , Kang Yun Chan , Lee Jong-Heun
Published: November 2011

A combinatorial hydrothermal reaction has been used to prepare pure and additive (Sb, Cu, Nb, Pd, and Ni)-loaded In2O3 hollow spheres for gas sensor applications. The operation of Pd- and Cu-loaded In2O3 sensors at 371 °C leads to selective H2S detection. Selective detection of CO and NH3 was achieved by the Ni-In2O3 sensor at sensing temperatures of 371 and 440 °C, respectively. The gas responses of six different sensors to NH3, H2S, H2, CO and CH4 produced unique gas sensing patterns that can be used for the artificial recognition of these gases.
The Impact of Ocean Acidification on Reproduction, Early Development and Settlement of Marine Organisms
Authors: Ross Pauline M. , Parker Laura , O’Connor Wayne A. , Bailey Elizabeth A.
Published: November 2011

Predicting the impact of warming and acidifying on oceans on the early development life history stages of invertebrates although difficult, is essential in order to anticipate the severity and consequences of future climate change. This review summarises the current literature and meta-analyses on the early life-history stages of invertebrates including fertilisation, larval development and the implications for dispersal and settlement of populations. Although fertilisation appears robust to near future predictions of ocean acidification, larval development is much more vulnerable and across invertebrate groups, evidence indicates that the impacts may be severe. This is especially for those many marine organisms which start to calcify in their larval and/or juvenile stages. Species-specificity and variability in responses and current gaps in the literature are highlighted, including the need for studies to investigate the total effects of climate change including the synergistic impact of temperature, and the need for long-term multigenerational experiments to determine whether vulnerable invertebrate species have the capacity to adapt to elevations in atmospheric CO2 over the next century.
Neuroprotective and Angiogenic Effects of Bone Marrow Transplantation Combined with Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor in a Mouse Model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Ohta Yasuyuki , Nagai Makiko , Miyazaki Kazunori , Tanaka Nobuhito , Kawai Hiromi , Mimoto Takafumi , Morimoto Nobutoshi , Kurata Tomoko , Ikeda Yoshio , Matsuura Tohru , Abe Koji
Published: November 2011

Bone marrow (BM) cells from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients show significantly reduced expression of several neurotrophic factors. Monotherapy with either wild-type (WT) BM transplantation (BMT) or granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (GCSF) has only a small clinical therapeutic effect in an ALS mouse model, due to the phenomenon of neuroprotection. In this study, we investigated the clinical benefits of combination therapy using BMT with WT BM cells, plus GCSF after disease onset in ALS mice [transgenic mice expressing human Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) bearing a G93A mutation]. Combined treatment with BMT and GCSF delayed disease progression and prolonged the survival of G93A mice, whereas BMT or GCSF treatment alone did not. Histological study of the ventral horns of lumbar cords from G93A mice treated with BMT and GCSF showed a reduction in motor neuron loss coupled with induced neuronal precursor cell proliferation, increased expression of neurotrophic factors (glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, vascular endothelial growth factor and angiogenin), and neovascularization compared with controls (vehicle only). Compared with G93A microglial cells, most BM-derived WT cells differentiated into microglial cells and strongly expressed neurotrophic factors, combined BMT and GCSF treatment led to the replacement of G93A microglial cells with BM-derived WT cells. These results indicate combined treatment with BMT and GCSF has potential neuroprotective and angiogenic effects in ALS mice, induced by the replacement of G93A microglial cells with BM-derived WT cells. Furthermore, this is the first report showing the effects of combined BMT and GCSF treatment on blood vessels in ALS.
The Role of Psychological Support in Cardiac Surgery: Initial Experience
Authors: Sansone Fabrizio , Bellini Erika , Ghersi Sabrina , Zingarelli Edoardo , Flocco Roberto , Actis Dato Guglielmo Mario , Forsennati Pier Giuseppe , Parisi Francesco , Punta Giuseppe , Bardi Gian Luca , del Ponte Stefano , Casabona Riccardo
Published: November 2011

The scientific literature has pointed out several predictors of negative outcome after surgery such as pain and depression, negatively affecting the postoperative outcome in cardiac surgery. From January 2009 until June 2010, 15 patients scheduled for cardiac surgery were enrolled. The patients were assessed by psychological evaluation either in the hospital stay either in the rehabilitation period with the aim of identifying their emotional condition (sentiments about the onset of the disease, support received from family and friends) even by means of preformed tests for anxiety and depression (tests of Stay and Back). Thus, in our preliminary experience, the psychological evaluation failed to detect the occurrence of postoperative complications. Conversely, the psychological evaluation is very effective in detecting a poor emotional state and the psychological support decreases the degree of anxiety and depression with positive effects on postoperative outcome. In conclusion, a standardize test for anxiety and depression should be used for patients at hospital admission to detect who may benefits by psychological support.
Congenital Lobar Emphysema Mimicking as Persistent Pneumonia in a Newborn
Authors: Basu Sriparna , Gupta Aditya Kumar , Kumar Ashok
Published: November 2011

Congenital lobar emphysema (CLE) is an uncommon congenital malformation of the lung that can present with respiratory distress in early life. We report a full term female baby who presented with intermittent bluish discoloration of the lips and extremities during crying since birth. An initial diagnosis of left sided collapse-consolidation with right-sided compensatory emphysema was made from chest xray. When no improvement was noted after intravenous antibiotic therapy for 7 days, computerized tomographic scan of thorax was done which showed emphysema of the right middle lobe with transherniation and mediastinal shift to the left. Right middle lobectomy was done and postoperative period was uneventful. Histopathological examination of the specimen confirmed the diagnosis of CLE. CLE can mimic more common causes of respiratory distress in neonatal period and needs a high index of suspicion for diagnosis. Early diagnosis and effective surgical treatment is curative.
Systemic Sclerosis with Hemoptysis and a Huge Lung Cavity
Authors: Cheepsattayakorn Attapon , Cheepsattayakorn Ruangrong
Published: November 2011

Systemic sclerosis or scleroderma is associated with distal vasculitis, Raynaud’s phenomenon, and inflammation of internal organs and the skin. We present on a 58-year-old Thai woman with systemic sclerosis who came to the 10th Zonal Tuberculosis and Chest Disease Center, Chiang Mai, Thailand in 2009 and presented with hemoptysis and a solitary hugelung cavity as the predominant clinical manifestations which spontaneously resoluted 2 months later. This case demonstrates a solitary huge-lung cavity with hemoptysis and looked like from non-tuberculous Mycobacterial infections or malignancy with spontaneous resolution of hemoptysis and the lung cavity, which does not need invasive investigations.
‘n Multidissiplinêre benadering tot Praktiese Ekklesiologie
Authors: Dreyer Wim A.
Published: November 2011

A multi-disciplinary approach to Practical Ecclesiology In this contribution the author proposes a multi-disciplinary approach to ecclesiology. Ecclesiology receives some attention in all theological disciplines; however, the various methods and approaches of the different disciplines leads to divergent results. This diversity in ecclesiology could be very positive if a multi-disciplinary approach could be developed. Contributions by theologians of the Netherdutch Reformed Church of Africa (NRCA) are used as an example of divergent approaches to ecclesiology. The conclusion is reached that Practical Ecclesiology could serve as a theological discipline where different ecclesiologies could be integrated to the benefit of theological training and the church in general.
Review of Environmental Risk Management in South Africa
Authors: Biggs Harry
Published: November 2011

Review of Environmental Risk Management in South Africa
Universally Overconvergent Power Series via the Riemann Zeta-function
Authors: Gauthier P. M.
Published: November 2011

The Riemann zeta-function is employed to generate universally overconvergent power series.
Smoking Policies in Small Worksites in Minnesota
Authors: Uslan Kate , Forster Jean L. , Chen Vincent
Published: November 2011

Purpose.

To examine correlates of smoking policies in a stratified sample of small worksites in Minnesota and to determine knowledge and attitudes of the owners and managers regarding the Minnesota Clean Indoor Air Act (MCIAA) rules that newly applied to their businesses.

Design.

Cross-sectional survey.

Setting.

Minnesota offices and factories/warehouses with 5 to 50 employees.

Subjects.

Owners or managers of offices and factories/warehouses; sample size = 233; response rate = 66%.

Measures.

Existence and strength of worksite smoking policies.

Analysis.

Comparison of factories/warehouses and offices in metropolitan and greater Minnesota using chi square and linear and logistic regression analyses.

Results.

Approximately two-thirds of the worksites claimed to have a smoking policy, but only 26% of the total sample had a policy in writing. Worksites that offered health insurance to their employees were more likely to have a written policy (p < .0001), as were offices in the metro area compared with other worksites (p = .003). Policies of both types of outstate worksites were stronger compared with those at metro sites, and offices had stronger policies than factories and warehouses in the metro area. Only about one-third of the businesses had heard of the MCIAA rule changes.

Conclusion.

Most small businesses in Minnesota do not have a smoking policy in writing and thus their employees are at risk of exposure to secondhand smoke at work.
Technical Note: A trace gas climatology derived from the Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment Fourier Transform Spectrometer dataset
Authors: Jones A. , Walker K. A. , Jin J. J. , Taylor J. R. , Boone C. D. , Bernath P. F. , Brohede S. , Manney G. L. , McLeod S. , Hughes R. , Daffer W. H.
Published: November 2011

Abstract. The Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment-Fourier Transform Spectrometer (ACE-FTS) aboard the Canadian satellite SCISAT (launched in August 2003) was designed to investigate the composition of the upper troposphere, stratosphere, and mesosphere. ACE-FTS utilizes solar occultation to measure temperature and pressure as well as vertical profiles of over thirty chemical species including O3, H2O, CH4, N2O, CO, NO, NO2, N2O5, HNO3, HCl, ClONO2, CCl3F, CCl2F2, and HF. Global coverage for each species is obtained approximately over a three month period and measurements are made with a vertical resolution of typically 3–4 km. A quality-controlled climatology has been created for each of these 14 baseline species, where individual profiles are averaged over the period of February 2004 to February 2009. Measurements used are from the ACE-FTS version 2.2 data set including updates for O3 and N2O5. The climatological fields are provided on a monthly and three-monthly basis (DJF, MAM, JJA, SON) at 5 degree latitude and equivalent latitude spacing and on 28 pressure surfaces (26 of which are defined by the Stratospheric Processes And their Role in Climate (SPARC) Chemistry Climate Model validation activity). The ACE-FTS climatological dataset is available through the ACE website.
A New Method for Solving Steady Flow of a Third-Grade Fluid in a Porous Half Space Based on Radial Basis Functions
Authors: Kazem Saeed , Rad Jamal Amani , Parand Kourosh , Abbasbandy Saied
Published: November 2011

In this study, flow of a third-grade non-Newtonian fluid in a porous half space has been considered. This problem is a nonlinear two-point boundary value problem (BVP) on semi-infinite interval. We find the simple solutions by using collocation points over the almost whole domain [0;∞). Our method based on radial basis functions (RBFs) which are positive definite functions. We applied this method through the integration process on the infinity boundary value and simply satisfy this condition by Gaussian, inverse quadric, and secant hyperbolic RBFs.We compare the results with solution of other methods.
Research on Prediction of Three Great Earthquakes During the Beginning of the 21st Century in the Northern Xizang Plateau
Authors: Men Kepei
Published: November 2011

The northern Xizang Plateau is a main seismic zone inWest China. Since 1700, M ≥ 7 earthquakes

have had an obvious commensurability and orderliness in this region. The main ordered values are

106∼107a, 77∼78a, 53∼54a, 26∼27a, 11∼12a, and 3∼4a. According to the information forecasting

theory ofWen-BoWeng (W. B.Weng, Fundamentals of Forecasting Theory. Petroleum Industry

Press, Beijing 1984 (in Chinese)), combining ordered analysis with complex network technology,

we try to explore the practical method for M ≥ 7 earthquake prediction with Chinese characteristics,

and build a informational ordered network structure of M ≥7 earthquakes in the northern Xizang

Plateau. In this paper, we study the prediction of three great earthquakes (the 2001 Kunlunshan M8.1,

the 2008Wenchuan M8.0, and the 2010 M7.1 Yushu earthquake) during the beginning of the 21st century

based on the method of ordered network structure, and give many famous earthquake examples

in China and abroad. Meanwhile, the cause of formation about the Wenchuan and Yushu earthquake

has been discussed primarily. At last, we present some new prediction opinions: the future M ≥7

earthquakes will happen in 2014 - 2015, 2026 - 2027, and 2030 pre and post in this region. The results

show that this method has a unique effect on moderate term and long term prediction for great

earthquakes.
Phase Diagrams of Mesogenic Binary Systems of Cobalt(II) and Univalent Metal Octanoates
Authors: Tokmenko Inna I. , Mirnaya Tatyana A. , Yaremchuk Galina G.
Published: November 2011

The phase diagrams of binary systems of cobalt(II) octanoate and lithium, sodium, potassium, and thallium(I) octanoates have been studied by differential thermal analysis and polythermal polarization microscopy. In all systems, continuous or limited liquid crystalline solutions of smectic modification are formed. The temperature and composition ranges of the formation of liquid crystals and glasses have been determined.
Multiple Soliton Solutions for a Variety of Coupled Modified Korteweg–de Vries Equations
Authors: Wazwaz Abdul-Majid
Published: November 2011

We make use of Hirota’s bilinear method with computer symbolic computation to study a variety of coupled modified Korteweg-de Vries (mKdV) equations. Multiple soliton solutions and multiple singular soliton solutions are obtained for each coupled equation. The resonance phenomenon of each coupled mKdV equation is proved not to exist.
A New Approach to Van der Pol’s Oscillator Problem
Authors: Khan Yasir , Madani M. , Yildirim A. , Abdou M. A. , Faraz Naeem
Published: November 2011

In this paper, we will consider the Laplace decomposition method (LDM) for finding series solutions of nonlinear oscillator differential equations. The equations are Laplace transformed and the nonlinear terms are represented by He’s polynomials. The solutions are compared with the numerical (fourth-order Runge-Kutta) solution and the solution obtained by the Adomian decomposition method. The suggested algorithm is more efficient and easier to handle as compared to the numerical method. The results illustrate that LDM is an appropriate method in solving the highly nonlinear equations.
Electrochemical Behaviour of Hydrogen in Low-Viscosity Phosphonium Ionic Liquids
Authors: Matsumiya M. , Tsunashima K. , Kodama S.
Published: November 2011

The electrochemical and diffusive properties of hydrogen in low-viscosity phosphonium ionic liquids were investigated by the electrochemical methods such as cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. The hydrogen redox reactions were concluded to be a quasi-reversible system in phosphonium-based ionic liquids. The diffusion coefficients of hydrogen in these ionic liquids were of the order of 10-10 m2 s-1 at 25 °

C. Additionally, the obtained activation energy of the diffusion process for hydrogen was 11.2 - 15:9 kJ mol-1 estimated from the temperature dependence of the diffusion coefficients.

A new type of proton conducting medium such as triethylphosphonium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl) amide was synthesized by the neutralization reaction, because the trialkylphosphine-based ionic liquids with good stability at higher temperature and high conductivity were appropriate candidates. This proton conducting membrane containing the ionic liquids with trialkylphosphine-based cations and the polyvinylidenefluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene has been fabricated in the present study. The proton conducting membrane exhibits relatively high ionic conductivity along with good mechanical stability.
The Adaptive Building Initiative: The Functional Aesthetic of Adaptivity
Authors: Drozdowski Ziggy
Published: November 2011

Ziggy Drozdowski, Director of Technology at Hoberman Associates in New York, describes the Adaptive Building Initiative (ABI), a collaboration with engineers Buro Happold that is conceived to catalyse innovation in environmental building performance. The emphasis here is on developing technologies that both architects and engineers can engage with rather than products per se, ensuring that ‘the design and the technology layers employed are intertwined into one dynamic system’. This is exemplified by the initiative's development of the Tessellate™ adaptive facade system that both interacts with and helps control incident sunlight. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ecology Beyond Buildings – Performance‐Based Consumption and Zero‐Energy Research: RAU Architects
Authors: Peters Terri
Published: November 2011

As the designers of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) building in Zeist, the Netherlands a CO2‐neutral, self‐sufficient office complex, RAU has set the bar for sustainable research and design. Guest‐editor Terri Peters visited the firm's studio in Amsterdam to talk to principal Thomas Rau. As Peters relates, Rau prefers to put the onus on the dwindling supply of raw materials rather than the immediate problems of energy consumption for which there are solutions within reach. With the emphasis on a more far‐reaching approach, he places buildings in a wider context of ecological thinking and systems. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Regioselective γ‐Mono‐ and Diarylation of Acrylamide Derivatives with Aryl Halides
Authors: Yu Ming , Xie Yongju , Li Jinheng , Zhang Yuhong
Published: November 2011

Palladium‐catalyzed direct mono‐ and diarylations involving C(sp3)H cleavage at the γ‐position of acrylamides are described. The monoarylation products can be obtained with ortho‐substituted aryl halides. Single crystal X‐ray diffraction has shown that the double bond has shifted towards the introduced aryl group to afford the γ‐arylated β,γ‐unsaturated amide products. A second arylation occurs when less sterically hindered aryl halides are employed. This chemistry offers a novel disconnection for the synthesis of γ‐arylated compounds.
2,3‐Dichloro‐5,6‐dicyano‐1,4‐benzoquinone (DDQ)/tert‐Butyl Nitrite/Oxygen: A Versatile Catalytic Oxidation System
Authors: Shen Zhenlu , Dai Jialiang , Xiong Jie , He Xijun , Mo Weimin , Hu Baoxiang , Sun Nan , Hu Xinquan
Published: November 2011

A new catalytic oxidation system using catalytic amounts of 2,3‐dichloro‐5,6‐dicyano‐1,4‐benzoquinone (DDQ) and tert‐butyl nitrite with molecular oxygen serving as the environmentally benign, terminal oxidant has been developed. This aerobic catalytic system was established for the selective oxidation of non‐sterically hindered benzylic alcohols and electron‐rich benzyl methyl ethers, and successfully extended to an application in the oxidative deprotection of PMB ethers to the alcohols in high selectivity.
Fabrication of pH‐ or temperature‐responsive single wall carbon nanotubes via a graft from photopolymerization
Authors: Zhang Pu , Henthorn David B.
Published: November 2011

An ultraviolet light initiated “graft from” polymerization method to fabricate polymer‐functionalized single wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) with pendant pH‐ and temperature‐responsive polymer chains is utilized. The attached polymer chains, formed from methacrylic acid and poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate monomers, are well established for its pH‐responsive swelling/deswelling behavior. This special property was utilized here to control the aqueous dispersibility of the carbon nanotubes. Furthermore, poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide), a temperature‐responsive polymer, was utilized in the fabrication of SWNTs whose dispersibility was dependent on solution temperature. The morphology of the polymer‐functionalized carbon nanotubes was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) before and after functionalization. Environmental SEM was used to further characterize the morphology of the functionalized SWNTs. In addition, covalent bonding of the polymer to the carbon nanotube surface was established using Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic techniques. The physical and chemical properties of the functionalized nanotubes were further characterized by energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 58: 2980–2986, 2012
Ultrasound and cadaveric prosections as methods for teaching cardiac anatomy: A comparative study
Authors: Griksaitis Michael J. , Sawdon Marina A. , Finn Gabrielle M.
Published: November 2011

This study compared the efficacy of two cardiac anatomy teaching modalities, ultrasound imaging and cadaveric prosections, for learning cardiac gross anatomy. One hundred and eight first‐year medical students participated. Two weeks prior to the teaching intervention, students completed a pretest to assess their prior knowledge and to ensure that groups were equally randomized. Students, divided into pre‐existing teaching groups, were assigned to one of two conditions; “cadaver” or “ultrasound.” Those in the cadaver group received teaching on the heart using prosections, whereas the ultrasound group received teaching using live ultrasound images of the heart. Immediately after teaching, students sat a post‐test. Both teaching modalities increased students' test scores by similar amounts but no significant difference was found between the two conditions, suggesting that both prosections and ultrasound are equally effective methods for teaching gross anatomy of the heart. Our data support the inclusion of either cadaveric teaching or living anatomy using ultrasound within the undergraduate anatomy curriculum, and further work is needed to compare the additive effect of the two modalities. Anat Sci Educ. © 2011 American Association of Anatomists.
Anatomical Sciences Education Vol. 4, Issue 6, 2011 Cover Image
Authors: Krause David A. , Youdas James W. , Hollman John H.
Published: November 2011

Physical Therapy students at the College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota receive instruction at the cadaver during a second year musculoskeletal course. In this issue of ASE Dr. Krause and his colleagues from the Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy share their experience developing a clinical skills course in a human gross anatomy laboratory.
Development of gatekeeping strategies in confirmatory clinical trials
Authors: Dmitrienko Alex , Millen Brian A. , Brechenmacher Thomas , Paux Gautier
Published: November 2011

This paper discusses multiplicity issues arising in confirmatory clinical trials with hierarchically ordered multiple objectives. In order to protect the overall type I error rate, multiple objectives are analyzed using multiple testing procedures. When the objectives are ordered and grouped in multiple families (e.g. families of primary and secondary endpoints), gatekeeping procedures are employed to account for this hierarchical structure. We discuss considerations arising in the process of building gatekeeping procedures, including proper use of relevant trial‐specific information and criteria for selecting gatekeeping procedures. The methods and principles discussed in this paper are illustrated using a clinical trial in patients with type II diabetes mellitus.
Process Development for Antibody Purification from Tobacco by Protein A Affinity Chromatography
Authors: Hey C. , Zhang C.
Published: November 2011

Tobacco is possibly the most promising plant for plant‐made pharmaceuticals, e.g., antibodies, due to its high biomass yields and robust transformation technology. Protein A affinity chromatography is commonly used for antibody purification, however, direct application of tobacco extract to protein A chromatography columns may be problematic due to the nonspecific binding of native tobacco proteins (NTPs). Three different protein A resins, ProSep‐vA High Capacity, Ultra, and Ultra Plus, from Millipore were studied for antibody purification from tobacco. Experiments were run with extracts from nontransgenic tobacco and the model antibody, human immunoglobulin G (IgG). The efficiency of the wash buffers to reduce nonspecific binding of NTPs to the resins was evaluated by altering the ionic strength and pH. Considering all factors, Ultra Plus Protein A resin may be the best in antibody purification from tobacco.
Stitching Phospholanes Together Piece by Piece: New Modular Di‐ and Tridentate Stereodirecting Ligands
Authors: Lloret Fillol Julio , Kruckenberg Achim , Scherl Peter , Wadepohl Hubert , Gade Lutz H.
Published: November 2011

The modular one‐pot synthesis of a large family of bi‐ and tridentate 2,5‐dimethyl‐ and 2,5‐diphenyl‐substituted phospholanes employs air‐stable chiral phospholanium chloride salts and primary amines or NH4Cl as starting materials. These were transformed into the C2‐symmetric dimethyl‐ and diphenylphospholane ligands, which reacted with [Rh(cod)2]BF4 (cod=1,5‐cyclooctadiene) to yield the rhodium complexes [Rh(L)(cod)]BF4 (L=bisphospholane ligands). The corresponding trisphospholane complexes, 11 and 12, were obtained in high yields (81 and 92 %, respectively), and fully characterised by NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and elemental analysis. Whilst in the C3‐symmetric complex 11, containing the tridentate 2,5‐dimethylphospholane, the ligand is bound symmetrically, different coordination behaviour was found for the diphenyl‐substituted complex 12, in which the coordination of only two of the three phospholane moieties to the metal centre was observed. A DFT study at the B3PW91 level established minimum energy structures consistent with experimental findings in solution and in the solid state. The non‐coordinated phospholane unit present in 12 allowed further modification of the complex through the coordination of AuIX (X=Cl, C6F5 and tris(trifluoromethyl)phenyl (FMes)) fragments to the pendant phosphane. To investigate the potential of the new ligands, the enantioselective hydrogenation of a series of prochiral olefins as benchmark substrates, using isolated Rh complexes as catalysts, was studied. The substrates included methyl esters of three dehydro‐α‐acetamido acids and two itaconic acid derivatives. In general good to excellent enantioselectivities (of up to >99 % ee) were observed. Ligand backbone modification by coordination of bulky AuX substituents to the free phospholane unit in complex 12 led to an outstanding enhancement of the catalyst performance and there was a clear correlation between the properties of the complex periphery and the enantioselectivity.
Fully efficient estimation of coefficients of correlation in the presence of imputed survey data
Authors: Chauvet Guillaume , Haziza David
Published: November 2011

Marginal imputation, that consists of imputing items separately, generally leads to biased estimators of bivariate parameters such as finite population coefficients of correlation. To overcome this problem, two main approaches have been considered in the literature: the first consists of using customary imputation methods such as random hot‐deck imputation and adjusting for the bias at the estimation stage. This approach was studied in Skinner & Rao 2002. In this paper, we extend the results of Skinner & Rao 2002 to the case of arbitrary sampling designs and three variants of random hot‐deck imputation. The second approach consists of using an imputation method, which preserves the relationship between variables. Shao & Wang 2002 proposed a joint random regression imputation procedure that succeeds in preserving the relationships between two study variables. One drawback of the Shao–Wang procedure is that it suffers from an additional variability (called the imputation variance) due to the random selection of residuals, resulting in potentially inefficient estimators. Following Chauvet, Deville, & Haziza 2011, we propose a fully efficient version of the Shao–Wang procedure that preserves the relationship between two study variables, while virtually eliminating the imputation variance. Results of a simulation study support our findings. An application using data from the Workplace and Employees Survey is also presented. The Canadian Journal of Statistics 40: 124–149; 2012 © 2011 Statistical Society of Canada
Response Surface Optimization for Removal of Cadmium from Aqueous Solution by Waste Agricultural Biosorbent Psidium guvajava L. Leaf Powder
Authors: Rao Karanam Srinivasa , Anand Sashi , Rout Kalyani , Venkateswarlu Paladugu
Published: November 2011

Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to study the combined effects of the various parameters namely, pH, biosorbent dosage, cadmium concentration and temperature, and to optimize the process conditions for the maximum removal of cadmium using Psidium guvajava L. leaf powder. In order to obtain the mutual interactions between the variables and to optimize these variables, a 24 full factorial central composite design using RSM was employed. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) of the quadratic model demonstrates that the model was highly significant. The model was statistically tested and verified by experimentation. A maximum cadmium removal of 93.2% was obtained under the following optimum conditions: aqueous cadmium concentration 40.15 mg/L, adsorbent dosage 0.5 g/50 mL solution, pH 5.0, and temperature (35°C). The value of desirability factor obtained was 1.
Comparative Efficiency of Energy Transfer from CdSe–ZnS Quantum Dots or Nanorods to Organic Dye Molecules
Authors: Hardzei Marya , Artemyev Mikhail , Molinari Michael , Troyon Michel , Sukhanova Alyona , Nabiev Igor
Published: November 2011

Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) in conjugates of CdSe–ZnS semiconductor nanocrystals of different shapes (FRET donors) and an Alexa Fluor organic dye (FRET acceptors) is examined. The dye molecules are chemically conjugated with quantum dots (QDs) or nanorods (NRs) in dimethyl sulfoxide colloidal solutions, and FRET efficiency in the purified conjugates is measured. The FRET from NR to a single dye molecule is less efficient than that of the QD–dye conjugates and this effect is explained in terms of distance‐limited energy‐transfer rate in the case of a point‐like acceptor and extended donor dipoles. However, the larger surface area of NRs allows for many more dye acceptors to be bound, and the total FRET efficiency in NR–dye conjugates approaches those of QD–dye conjugates.
Formaldehyde Encapsulated in Lithium‐Decorated Metal‐Organic Frameworks: A Density Functional Theory Study
Authors: Maihom Thana , Choomwattana Saowapak , Khongpracha Pipat , Probst Michael , Limtrakul Jumras
Published: November 2011

The stability of monomeric formaldehyde encapsulated in the lithium‐decorated metal‐organic framework Li‐MOF‐5 was investigated by means of density functional calculations with the M06‐L functional and the 6‐31G(d,p) basis set. To assess the efficiency of Li‐MOF‐5 for formaldehyde preservation, we consider the reaction kinetics and the thermodynamic equilibrium between formaldehyde and its trimerized product, 1,3,5‐trioxane. We propose that trimerization of encapsulated formaldehyde takes place in a single reaction step with an activation energy of 34.5 kcal mol−1. This is 17.2 kcal mol−1 higher than the corresponding activation energy in the bare system. In addition, the reaction energy of the system studied herein is endothermic by 6.1 kcal mol−1 and the Gibbs free energy (ΔG) of the reaction becomes positive (11.0 kcal mol−1). Consequently, the predicted reverse rate for the trimerization reaction in the Li‐MOF‐5 is significantly faster than the forward rate. The calculations show that the oligomerization of formaldehyde in Li‐MOF‐5 is a reversible reaction, suggesting that such a zeolite might be a good candidate material for preserving formaldehyde in its monomeric form.
Lanthanide Complexes as Paramagnetic Probes for 19F Magnetic Resonance
Authors: Harvey Peter , Kuprov Ilya , Parker David
Published: November 2011

The physicochemical basis of probe design for 19F MRS and MRI applications is reviewed. Complexes that give a single major resonance in solution are described, in which the Ln3+ ion is about 6 Å from the 19F label. Sensitivity improvements of 15‐fold are reported in both imaging and spectroscopy based on longitudinal relaxation enhancement. The pseudocontact shift allows an amplification of chemical shift non‐equivalence in responsive 19F probes, e.g. for monitoring pH in the range between 5 and 8.
Iodine‐Catalyzed Synthesis of 1,2‐Diaryldiketones by Oxidative Cleavage of 1,3‐Diaryldiketones with DMSO
Authors: Yuan Yu , Zhu Haitao
Published: November 2011

A metal‐free, efficient, practical, and convenient process based on an iodine‐catalyzed oxidative cleavage reaction has been developed to form 1,2‐diaryldiketons in high yields from 1,3‐diaryldiketones. The reaction is performed in DMSO and in air, and a mechanism was proposed according to the reaction evidence.
A comparative study of interfaces for microchip micellar electrokinetic chromatography‐electrospray ionization mass spectrometry using the surfactant ammonium dodecyl sulfate
Authors: Huang Ju‐Li , Li Fu‐An , Her Guor‐Rong
Published: November 2011

Using ammonium dodecyl sulfate (ADS) as the surfactant, the response of three common interfaces in the direct coupling of microchip micellar electrokinetic chromatography with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry was studied. In the range of 10–40 mM surfactant, a conventional sheath liquid interface provided poorer sensitivity than both sheathless interface and low‐sheath‐flow interface. At a surfactant concentration <20 mM, a low‐sheath‐flow interface exhibited less sensitivity than a sheathless interface; however, it outperformed the sheathless interface above a concentration of 20 mM. At a surfactant concentration above 20 mM, signal reduction due to dilution of the analyte compensated by signal enhancement gained from a reduction in ion suppression effect. The difference in responses of the interfaces was mainly due to the dilution effect, whereas the effect of flow rate became an important factor when the difference in responses between the interfaces was not significant. The utility of the PMMA microchip MEKC/MS using a low‐sheath‐flow interface was demonstrated by the analysis of sulfonamides at a concentration of 40 mM. The interday precision was in the range of 4.9–14.5%, and the LOD was in the range of 0.34–1.03 ng/mL (MEKC/MS/MS).
The Ebro River in the 20th century or the ecomorphological transformation of a large and dynamic Mediterranean channel
Authors: Magdaleno Fernando , Anastasio Fernández J. , Merino Silvia
Published: November 2011

In the first decades of the 20th century, the Ebro River was the Iberian channel with the most active fluvial dynamics and the most remarkable spatial‐temporal evolution. Its meandering typology, the dimensions of its floodplain, and the singularities of its flow regime produced an especially interesting set of river functions.

The largest dynamics of the Ebro River are concentrated along the meandering profile of the central sector. During the 20th century, this sector experienced a large alteration of its geomorphological structure. We present here an analysis of this evolution through the cartographic study of a long segment of the river (~250 km) in 1927, 1956 and 2003. The results show a large reduction in bank sinuosity, a progressive loss of fluvial territory, and a large decrease in channel width. These changes are especially clear in the areas previously most ecologically connected with the active channel. The fluvial territory of the river in 2003 was approximately half that found during the first decades of the 20th century. Forest plantations, which were non‐existent in 1927, occupied more than 1500 ha of the study area in the last decade.

This intense geomorphological transformation becomes ecologically visible in (i) a 35% reduction of the area occupied by riparian vegetation; (ii) a loss of the heterogeneity of riparian forest spots, which were formerly structured in an irregular mosaic far from the river thalweg; and (iii) a modification of the riparian forest structure, which is currently linear, uniform, thin and very close to the river axis. The ecomorphological alteration was intensified by the remarkable reduction in bank length (13%) and the reduced dynamism of the present river system, indicated by an increase in the percentage of fluvial territory occupied by riparian forests and a reduction in the area occupied by the active channel. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluating the polar organic chemical integrative sampler for the monitoring of beta-blockers and hormones in wastewater treatment plant effluents and receiving surface waters
Authors: Jacquet Romain , Miège Cécile , Bados Philippe , Schiavone Séverine , Coquery Marina
Published: November 2011

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) are known to be a source of surface water contamination by organic compounds such as pharmaceuticals. The objective of the present work was to study the suitability of the polar organic chemical integrative sampler (POCIS) to monitor beta-blockers and hormones in effluents and surface waters. Four sampling campaigns were carried out in French rivers (the Saône, the Ardières, the Bourbre, and the Seine) between November 2007 and September 2008. Passive samplers were exposed in surface waters, upstream and downstream of WWTP outflows, and in effluents. Exposures lasted for up to 24 d to study the uptake kinetics directly in situ, and repeatability was assessed by exposure of triplicates. A good agreement was found between POCIS and water samples. With the exception of atenolol, beta-blockers showed a linear uptake during at least three weeks, and their sampling rates could be determined in situ. These sampling rates were then used to calculate time-weighted average concentrations of beta-blockers in the Seine River with an overall good accuracy and repeatability. Such calculations could not be performed for hormones because of their variable occurrences and low concentrations in water and POCIS. Polar organic chemical integrative sampler therefore seems to be a suitable tool for monitoring beta-blockers in surface waters impacted by WWTP effluents. Longer exposure durations would be necessary to determine the suitability of POCIS for monitoring hormones. Finally, preliminary assays on the use of several deuterated compounds as performance reference compounds showed promising results for deuterated atenolol. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012;31:279–288. © 2011 SETAC